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A  HISTORY         X^GICAIS^-^ 


OP 


COLONIZATION 


ON    THE 


WESTERN  COAST  OF  AFRICA 


BY 


ARCHIBALD  ALEXANDER,  D.D., 

PROFESSOR    IN    THE   THEOLOGICAL    SEMINARY    AT    PRINCETON,    NEW    JERSEY. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
WILLIAM  S.  MARTIEN,  No.  37  SOUTH  SEVENTH  STREET. 
NEW  YORK,  No.  23  CENTRE  STREET. 
1846. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1846,  by 

William  S.  Martien, 

In  the  office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Eastern 

District  of  Pennsylvania. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

The  following  history  was  commenced  several  years  since,  and 
was  continued  until  the  year  1834,  when  the  author,  in  conse- 
quence of  other  publications  on  the  same  subject,  and  the 
pressure  of  professional  duties,  laid  the  work  aside,  and  re- 
linquished the  design  of  publishing  what  he  had  written.  But 
being  earnestly  solicited  by  some  of  the  friends  of  Colonization 
to  complete  the  history,  and  bring  it  before  the  public,  he  has 
been  induced  to  revise  what  he  had  written;  and  not  being 
disposed  at  his  time  of  life  to  encounter  the  labour  of  continuing 
the  history  himself,  he  has  committed  the  work  to  two  young 
gentlemen,  students  in  the  Theological  Seminary  at  this  place, 
who  have  with  great  care  continued  the  narrative,  and  brought 
it  down  to  the  decease  of  Governor  Buchanan,  near  the  close 
of  the  year  1841.  The  more  recent  events  are  fresh  in  the 
memory  of  all  who  take  an  interest  in  the  prosperity  of  the 
colony  of  Liberia. 

Princeton,  New  Jersey, 

January  6,  1846. 


CONTENTS, 


Iktrobuction  . 


CHAPTER  I. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  WESTERN  COAST  OP  AFRICA. 

Face  of  the  Country.  Soil.  Climate.  Productions.  Native  Tribes.  Govern- 
ment. Tribes  in  the  vicinity  of  Sierra  Leone.  Their  Habits,  Language, 
and  Religion.  Topography  of  Sierra  Leone.  The  Slave  Trade.  Effects 
of  Colonization , 25 

CHAPTER  H. 

ORIGIN  OP  THE  COLONY  AT  SIERRA  LEONE. 

Disasters  attending  the  First  Settlement.  A  second  company  is  sent  from 
Nova  Scotia.  Settlement  at  Freetown.  Great  Mortality.  Unexpected 
cost  of  the  undertaking.  Visit  of  a  French  Squadron.  Arrival  of  Ma- 
roons from  Jamaica.  State  of  the  Colony.  Church  Missionary  Society 
for  Africa  and  the  East , 39 

CHAPTER  HI. 

ORIGIN  OF  AFRICAN  COLONIZATION. 

Dr.  Hopkins.  His  Missionary  Scheme.  Dr.  Styles  joins  him.  Public  Ap. 
peal.  Reply  from  the  Christian  Knowledge  Society  of  Scotland.  Bristol 
Yamma  and  John  Quaniine  sent  to  Princeton.  Letter  of  Philip  Quaque. 
Salmur  Nuba.  A  Second  Circular  issued.  The  Enterprise  frustrated 
by  the  War.  Dr.  Hopkins'  Scheme  first  suggested  the  idea  of  African 
Colonization.  Labours  after  the  War.  Remarkable  Case  of  Newport 
Gardner.  After  the  lapse  of  lialf  a  century  Gardner  and  Nuba  are  or- 
dained Deacons  in  a  church  formed  at  Boston  for  Liberia. 48 

CHAPTER  IV. 

HISTORY  OF  THE   AMERICAN  COLONIZATION  SOCIETY. 

American  Slavery  at  the  close  of  the  Revolution.  Thomas  Jefferson.  Afri- 
can  Colonization  first  seriously  contemplated  by  Dr.  Thornton,  of  Wash- 
ington.    Great  attention  to  tiie  subject  of  Slavery  in  Virginia.     Plan  of 

A* 


VI  CONTENTS. 

Mr.  Craighead.  Plan  of  Judge  Tucker.  Action  of  the  Virginia  Legis- 
lature. Letters  between  President  Jefferson  and  Governor  Monroe.  In- 
tention of  the  Resolution  of  the  Virginia  House  of  Delegates  in  Secret 
Session.  Jefferson's  Letter  to  Governor  Page.  Consequent  action  of  the 
Legislature.  Ann  Mifflin's  Scheme.  Letters  to  and  from  Jefferson.  Charles  . 
Fenton  Mercer.  His  Speech  at  a  Public  Dinner.  Dr.  Robert  Finley,  the^' 
Father  of  the  American  Colonization  Society.  Some  Notice  of  his  Life. 
The  First  Public  Meeting  in  America  to  consider  the  subject  of  Coloni- 
zation, held  at  Princeton,  Newr  Jersey 59 

CHAPTER  V. 

PROCEEDINGS  AT  WASHINGTON. 

Dr.  Finley  goes  to  Washington.  Public  Meeting  there.  Speeches  of  Messrs. 
Clay,  Caldwell,  Randolph,  and  Wright.  Preamble  and  Resolutions  offered 
by  Mr.  Caldwell  and  adopted.  Formation  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society.  Constitution.  First  Meeting  January  1, 1817.  Officers.  Memo- 
rial to  Congress.  Report  of  the  Committee  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives. Suggested  Negotiations.  Joint  Resolutions.  Effect  of  the  action 
of  Congress 80 

CHAPTER  VI. 

VOYAGE  OP  MESSRS.  MILLS  AND  BURGESS. 

Rev.  Samuel  J.  Mills.  His  Colonization  Scheme.  His  Plan  for  Educating 
the  People  of  Colour.  Approves  of  Dr.  Finley's  Plan,  and  devotes  himself 
to  the  cause.  With  Dr.  Burgess  sails  for  Africa.  Visit  England  on  the 
way.  Arrive  at  Sierra  Leone,  Extracts  from  Mills'  Journal.  John  Kiz- 
zell — account  of  him.  Letter  of  Governor  Columbine.  Kizzell's  Com- 
munications. Sail  for  Sherbro.  Extracts  from  Journal.  Return.  Death 
of  Mills   98 

CHAPTER  VH. 

FIRST  EXPEDITION  TO  AFRICA  IN  THE  ELIZABETH. 

Congress  pass  an  act  authorizing  the  institution  of  an  Agency  in  Africa. 
Rev.  Samuel  Bacon  and  Mr.  John  P.  Bankson  appointed  Agents.  Dr. 
Samuel  Crozer  Agent  of  the  Colonization  Society.  Rules  for  Emigrants. 
Sailing  of  the  Elizabeth  in  company  with  the  Sloop-of-war  Cyane.  Arri- 
val of  the  Elizabeth.  Cyane  arrives.  After  consultation  determine  to  locate 
on  Sherbro  Island.  Kizzell  suspected.  Conference.  Troubles  of  the  Colo- 
nists.    Sickness  and  death  among  them.     Death  of  the  Agents 112 

CHAPTER  VHI. 

STATE  OP  THE  COLONY  AFTER  THE  DEATH  OF  THE  AGENTS. 

The  Board  not  discouraged.  Rev.  Daniel  Coker  acts  as  Agent.  He  visits 
Sierra  Leone.  Consults  Governor  McCarthy.  Arrival  of  the  John  Adams. 
Captain  Wadsworth.     His  kind  and  efficient  assistance.     His  Letter  to 


CONTENTS.  Vll 

Elias  B.  Caldwell.  Captain  Trenchard's  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Navy.  Coker  removes  the  people  and  stores  to  Sierra  Leone.  Arrival  of 
Messrs.  E.  Bacon  and  Winn,  Government  Agents,  and  the  Society's  Agents, 
Messrs.  Andrus  and  Wiltberger.  Anniversary  Meeting  of  the  Society 
1821.     Case  of  the  Schooner  Pluttsburg 128 

CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  COLONY  UNDER  MESSRS.  E.  BACON  AND  ANDRUS. 

Extracts  from  Bacon's  Journal.  Tiie  Voyage.  Arrival  at  Sierra  Leone. 
Health  of  the  Emigrants.  Messrs.  Bacon  and  Andrus  explore  the  Coast. 
Their  Journal.  Their  Return.  Arrival  of  the  Alligator.  Death  of  Mr. 
Andrus,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Winn.     Resolutions  of  the  Society 134 

CHAPTER  X. 

LAWS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  RESPECTING  THE  SLAVE  TRADE. 

Laws  prohibiting  the  Slave  Trade.  Law  of  the  state  of  Georgia  and  action 
under  it.  Mr.  Mead's  visit  to  Georgia  and  his  success.  Supplementary 
Act  of  Congress.  President  Monroe  appoints  Agents  to  go  to  Africa. 
Auxiliaries.  Reputation  of  the  Society  abroad.  Interesting  Account  of 
Recaptured  Africans 157 

CHAPTER  XI. 

AGENCY  OF  DR.   ATRES,  AND    PURCHASE   OF    CAPE   MESURADO   BY 
HIM  AND  CAPTAIN  R.  F.  STOCKTON. 

Dr.  Ayres  offers  himself  to  the  Board.  Sails  in  the  Shark.  Arrives  in  Africa. 
Purchase  of  Cape  Mesurado  in  conjunction  witli  Captain  R.  F.  Stock- 
ton. Agreement  for  the  purchase  of  the  land.  Removal  of  the  Colonists 
from  Foura  Bay  to  Cape  Mesurado.  Large  meeting  of  tlie  Kings,  and 
their  consent  that  the  Colonists  should  remain.  Dr.  Ayres  proposes  to 
return  to  America.   Appoints  a  Superintendent,  and  sails  Juno  7th,  1822. .   167 

CHAPTER  XII. 

AGENCY  OF  MR.  JEHUDI  ASHMUN. 

Perilous  condition  of  the  Colony.  Providential  arrival  of  Mr.  Ashmun.  Re- 
captured Africans  from  Georgia.  State  of  the  Colony.  Sickness.  Ashmun 
makes  preparation  for  the  defence  of  the  Colony.  Attack  of  the  Natives. 
Battle.  Dispersion  of  the  enemy.  Second  attack.  Again  repulsed.  Peace 
restored,  with  the  assistance  of  Major  Laing 177 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE  COLONY  UNDER  MR.  ASHMUN. 

Death  of  Midshipman  Gordon.  Famine  threatened.  Arrival  of  the  Cyane. 
Noble  conduct  of  Captain  Spencer.    Communication  of  Mr.  Seaton.    Mr. 


Viii  CONTENTS. 

Ashmun's  despatch.     Dr.  Ayres  returns  as  Principal  Agent.     Condition 

of  the  Colony.     Description  of  Cape  Mesurado 198 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

ADMINISTRATION  OF  ASHMUN  CONTINUED. 

Mr.  Ashmun's  relations  to  the  Board.  Just  resentment.  He  still  takes 
charge  of  the  Colony.  Efficient  labours.  Arrival  of  the  C3'rus  with  Emi- 
grants. Great  distress  of  the  Colony.  Gurley's  visit  to  Africa,  with 
despatches  from  the  Board.  He  approves  of  Ashmun's  conduct.  His 
Return.     Despatches  from  Ashmun 207 

CHAPTER  XV. 

ashmun's  ADMINISTRATION  CONTINUED. 

Arrival  of  the  brig  Hunter.  Settlement  on  the  St.  Paul's.  Action  of  the 
Board.  State  of  the  Colony.  Expeditions.  Great  mortality  among  the 
Emigrants.  Arrival  of  recaptured  Africans.  Mr.  Ashmun's  health.  Pur- 
chase of  territory.  Ashmun  sails  for  the  United  States.  His  death  at  New 
Haven 219 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

LOTT  CARET MISSIONS  IN  AND  NEAR  THE  COLONY. 

Colony  left  in  charge  of  Lott  Carey — his  Life — his  Letters  to  the  Board — his 
sudden  Death.  Death  of  Dr.  Thornton.  Dr.  Randall  appointed  Agent, 
and  sails  in  the  ship  Harriet  with  one  hundred  and  sixty  Emigrants 241 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Randall's  administration. 

Dr,  Randall  arrives  at  Monrovia.  His  opinion  as  to  the  state  of  tlie  Colony. 
He  penetrates  into  the  interior.  King  Boatswain's  Town.  Coloniza- 
tion in  Hayti  by  the  Society  of  Friends.  Failure  of  the  scheme.  Gerrit 
Smith's  plan  for  raising  funds.  Subscription  to  the  plan — note.  Commu- 
nication from  Dr.  Randall,  containing  an  Account  of  his  Exploring  Tour. 
His  Death.     Notice  of  his  Life.     Resolutions  of  the  Board 257 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

operations    at    home. 

Annual  Meeting  1827.  Speeches  of  Messrs.  Clay  and  Mercer.  Anniversary 
of  1828.  General  Harper's  Speech.  Remarks  of  Messrs.  Latrobe,  Har- 
rison,  Key,   Custis.     Expedition  in  the  ship  Doris.     Decree  of  the  Su- 


CONTENTS.  IX 

preme  Court  of  the  United  States  concerning  recaptured  Africans.  Further 
Expeditions.  Prosperity  of  the  Society.  Death  of  Judge  Washington. 
Visit  of  Swiss  Missionaries  to  this  country  on  their  way  to  Africa.  Mr. 
Russwurm  sails.  Visit  of  two  Kroomen  to  the  United  States.  Dr.  Mechlin 
appointed  Agent.     Constitution  of  the  Commonwealth.     Aslimun's  Digest  ,' 

of  Laws.     Address  from  the  People  of  Monrovia  to  the  Coloured  People  of      I' 
the  United  States.    Formation  of  Auxiliary  Societies 273 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

THE  COLONY  UNDER  DR.  MECHLIN,  1830. 

Mr.  Hodgson's  Letter  to  the  Board.  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Society.  Reso- 
lutions of  the  Board.  Mr.  Clay's  Speech.  Increased  opposition  to  the 
cause  of  Colonization.  Formation  of  the  African  Education  Society.  Dr. 
Mechlin's  Report  on  the  State  of  the  Colony.  Description  of  Caldwell. 
Printing  press  established  in  Monrovia.  Sailing  of  the  Montgomery. 
Return  of  Dr.  Mechlin.  Death  of  William  Henry  Fitzhugh.  Statements 
of  Mr.  Devany  concerning  the  Colony.  Extracts  from  Captain  Sherman's 
Letter.    Mr.  Erskine  goes  to  Africa.    His  death 295 


CHAPTER  XX. 

AFRICAN  EDUCATION EVENTS  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Death  of  Dr.  Anderson.  Obituary  notice.  Sailing  of  the  Caroline.  Mr. 
Robert  S.  Finley,  Agent  at  Home.  Action  of  the  Board  on  Education.  In-  ' 
stitution  of  the  African  School  Society  at  Hartford.  Unfavourable  feeling 
in  the  Southern  States.  Fourteenth  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Society.  Dr. 
Mechlin's  despatch.  His  Letter  to  Elliott  Cresson.  Resolutions  of  the 
Maryland  Legislature.  Letter  of  Captain  Woodside.  Movement  in  Ken- 
tucky. Captain  Kennedy's  Letter.  Southampton  Insurrection.  Sailing 
of  vessels  to  Africa.     Captain  Weaver's  Letter 345 

CHAPTER   XXI. 

EVENTS  OP  1832. 

Fifteenth  Annual  Meeting.  Mr.  Madison's  Letter.  Judge  Marshall's  Letter. 
Arrival  of  the  Criterion  at  Monrovia.  Captain  Abel's  Letter.  Proceedings 
in  the  Virginia  Legislature.  Resolutions  in  Congress.  Mr.  Cresson's 
eervices  in  Enorland.  State  of  the  Colony.  Disturbance  among  the  Na- 
tives. Attack  of  the  Colonists.  Their  victory,  and  its  effects  upon  the 
Natives.  Letter  of  Dr.  Mechlin.  Situation  of  the  recaptured  Africans, 
Simpson  and  Moore  visit  the  Colony,  and  their  Report.  Hannah  Kilham.  ^ 
Mr.  Clarkson's  view  of  Colonization.  Opposition  to  the  Colonization  cause.  ''' 
Garrison's  attack.  Action  of  the  Abolitionists.  The  Liberator.  Captain 
Crowell's  Letter 364 


X  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

AFFAIRS  OF  THE  COLONY  IN  1833. 

Dr.  Hodgkins' Letter.  Anniversary  Meeting.  Accession  of  Territory.  Health 
of  the  Colony — its  Commerce  and  Education.  Sailing  of  Mr.  Pinney  as 
Missionary.  Embarrassment  of  the  Society.  Action  of  tlie  Maryland 
Legislature.  Vindication  of  the  Society.  Bequests.  Jacob  W.  Prout. 
Despatches  on  the  state  of  the  Colony.  Abandonment  of  friends.  Letter 
from  Mr.  Pinney 386 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

FORMATION  OF  THE  MARYLAND  SOCIETY. 

Reasons  for  their  separate  action.  Determine  to  form  a  separate  Colony. 
Departure  of  their  first  Expedition  in  the  brig  Ann,  under  the  charge  of 
Dr.  James  Hall.  Dr.  Hall's  Treaty  with  the  Natives.  Favourable  state  of 
the  Emigrants.  Further  Expeditions.  Arrival  of  Native  Africans  in  Bal- 
timore. Communication  from  Dr.  Hall.  Arrival  in  Africa  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Wilson  as  Missionaries.  Dr.  Hall's  firmness  with  the  Natives.  Mr. 
Holmes  sent  out  to  relieve  Dr.  Hall.   Letter  of  Dr.  Hall,  note.   His  despatch,  405 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

CAPE    PALMAS. 

Mrs.  Wilson's  Letter.  Her  devotion  to  the  cause.  Sickness  of  the  Missiona- 
ries. Flourishing  state  of  the  Colony.  Treaty  with  the  Natives.  Mr. 
Burt's  Letter.  State  of  the  currency.  Sailing  of  the  Financier,  and 
Niobe.     John  B.  Russwurm  appointed  Agent.     Letter  of  Dr.  Hall 423 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

AFFAIRS     AT      HOME. 

Seventeenth  Annual  Meeting.  Gerrit  Smith's  speech.  His  conversion  to 
Abolitionism.  Death  of  Dr.  Balch.  Expeditions  sent  out  in  the  Ajax, 
America,  Jupiter,  and  Argus.  Mortality  among  the  Emigrants.  Bassa 
Cove  purchased  by  Dr.  Mechlin.  Agriculture  and  Education.  Messrs. 
Cox  and  Pinney.  British  Emancipation.  Abolition  in  the  United  States. 
Mr.  Thompson 433 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

COLONIZATION  SOCIETIES  OF  PENNSYLVANIA  AND  NEW  YORK. 

Organization  of  the  Pennsylvania  Society.  Dr.  Hawes'  slaves.    Messrs.  Cres- 
son  and  Naylor's    commission — Proceed  to  Virginia — Their  Report.    Re- 


CONTENTS.  XI 

port  concerning  the  first  Expedition.  Mr.  Tyson's  Oration.  Extracts  from 
Phrenological  Journal  of  Edinburgh.  Formation  of  the  New  York  Coloni- 
zation Society.  Union  of  the  two  for  the  establishment  of  a  Colony.  Sailing 
of  Dr.  Skinner  in  the  Jupiter.  Resolutions  of  the  New  York  Colonization 
Society.  Annual  Meeting  of  the  New  York  Society.  George  Thompson. 
Testimonies.  Letter  of  Captain  Nicholson — Of  Captain  Sherman— Of 
Captain  Abels — Of  Simpson  and  Moore — Of  Captain  Voorhees 445 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

AGENCY  OF  THE  REV.  J.  B.  PINNEV. 

Arrival  of  the  Jupiter.  Mr.  Finney's  reception.  Letter  of  Captain  Voorhees. 
Population  of  the  Colony.  Difficulties  at  home.  Exertions  to  remove  the 
debt.  Revision  of  the  Laws.  Situation  of  the  new  Emigrants.  Descrip- 
tion of  the  Bendoo  country.  State  of  the  Colony  on  Mr.  Finney's  arrival. 
His  successful  labours.  "  Half-way  farms."  Moral  and  Religious  state  of 
the  Colony.  Arrival  of  Dr.  Skinner.  Report  of  Mr.  Jones.  State  of  Edu- 
cation.    Resignation  of  Mr.  Pinncy 472 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

AGENCY  OF  DR.  E.  SKINNER,  1835. 

Character  of  Dr.  Skinner.  He  enters  upon  the  duties  of  his  office.  Pros- 
perous condition  of  the  Colony.  Simpson  and  Moore.  Sailing  of  the 
Rover.  Testimonies  in  favour  of  the  Colony.  Schools.  Cedar  Park 
Liberian  Association.    Native  Wars.    Religion  in  the  Colony 487 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

COLONIZATION,  AND  THE  COLONY  IN  1836. 

Sailing  of  the  Luna.  Departure  of  the  Swift.  Second  passage  of  the  Luna. 
McElroy's  Letter.  Extracts  from  Miss  Moore's  Letter,  State  of  the 
Colony.  Letter  of  Mr.  Buchanan.  Ynamby's  Palaver.  Maryland  Colony. 
Simleh  Balla.     Extracts  from  Bockwell's  Sketches 502 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

VICE-AGENCY  OF  MR.  A.  D.  WILLIAMS,  1837.      . 

Mr.  Clay  appointed  President  of  the  American  Colonization  Society.  Aux- 
iliary Societies.  Charter  of  the  Society.  Account  of  Moro.  Missionary 
Operations.  Meeting  in  Liberia  in  favour  of  Colonization.  Dr.  Bacon's 
Letter.  State  Societies.  Governor  Matthias'  Letter.  Influence  of  the 
Colony  upon  the  Natives.  Testimonies  in  favour  of  the  Colony.  Mr. 
Button's  Letter.    Captain  Nicholson's  Letter.    Simleh  Balla 520 


XU  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

THE      COLONY      IN     183S. 

Mr.  Garland's  Speech.  Embarrassments  of  the  Society.  Samuel  Wilkin- 
son— his  project.  Elliott  Cresson.  Auxiliary  Societies.  Situation  of  Emi- 
grants, Lewis  Sherridan.  Expeditions.  Greenville — Virginia  State  Society. 
Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Williams.  Difficulty  with  the  Natives. 
Missionary  Operations.  Dr.  Taylor's  Letter.  Statement  of  Mr.  Brown. 
Dr.  Gohcen's  Letter.  Affairs  of  the  Colony.  Thomas  Buchanan  appointed 
Governor 546 


CHAPTER  XXXn. 

COMMONWEALTH  OF  LIBERIA  UNDER  GOVERNOR  BUCHANAN. 

State  of  the  Colony.  Health  of  Governor  Buchanan.  His  Letter.  Attack 
upon  the  Baracoons.     Battle  and  Capture.     Captain  Bell's  Letter 570 

CHAPTER  XXXni. 

WARS     WITH      THE      NATIVES. 

Attack  of  Gatoomba.  Governor  Buchanan's  Measures  of  Defence.  His 
Negotiation.  Second  Attack.  Buchanan's  march  against  Gatoomba's 
town.  Finney's  Letter.  Embargo  Laid.  Sailing  of  the  Saluda.  Diffi- 
culty respecting  Slavers.  Arrival  of  the  Boxer  and  Grampus.  War  near 
Bassa  Cove.  Capture  of  New  Cesters  by  Captain  Denman.  Captain  Bell's 
Letter.     State  of  the  Colony .  , 581 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

GOVERNOR  Buchanan's  administration,  1841. 

Arrival  of  the  Cyane.  Commander  Latimer's  Letter.  Union  of  the  Ameri- 
can Colonization  Society  and  the  Mississippi  State  Colonization  Society. 
Niger  Expedition.  Expeditions— R.  Groning,  Union,  Rcgulus,  Saluda. 
Death  of  Governor  Buchanan.     Dr.  Day's  Letter 596 


INTEODUCTION. 


The  best  method  of  disposing  of  the  free  people  of 
colour,  so  as  to  promote  the  highest  interests  both  of 
them  and  the  citizens  of  this  country,  among  whom 
they  dwell,  is  a  subject  of  momentous  consequence, 
concerning  which  very  different  opinions  have  been 
entertained.  The  idea  of  providing  a  place  for  them  on 
the  coast  of  Africa,  met  the  views  of  a  large  number  of 
the  most  intelligent  and  benevolent  men  in  this  country; 
and  the  apparent  difficulty,  if  not  impracticability,  of 
removing  so  great  a  number  of  persons  to  such  a  dis- 
tance, furnished,  for  a  long  time,  the  only  objection  to 
the  enterprise.  The  obstacles  were  indeed  very  formi- 
dable, and  would  have  discouraged  the  efforts  of  any 
men  not  animated  by  a  noble  enthusiasm  in  the  cause 
of  humanity.  The  first  difficulty  was  to  obtain  a  ter- 
ritory on  the  coast  of  Africa — a  country  possessed  by 
numerous  savage  tribes,  all  deeply  engaged  in  the  slave 
trade,  and  jealous  of  every  body,  and  every  measure, 
which  might  possibly  interfere  with  this  nefarious  traffic. 
The  legislature  of  the  state  of  Virginia  had  made  an 
effort,  through  the  President  of  the  United  States,  to 
acquire  such  a  territory,  but  without  success.  How 
then  could  it  be  expected,  that  a  voluntary  association, 
1 


INTRODUCTION. 


without  funds,  and  without  the  aid  of  civil  government, 
would  be  able  to  plant  a  colony  on  the  shores  of  a  con- 
tinent more  than  three  thousand  miles  distant?  But 
great  as  were  the  obstacles  in  the  way  of  success  in  this 
enterprise,  they  have  been  overcome.  Liberia,  not 
only  exists,  but  is  in  a  flourishing  condition.  Perhaps 
no  colony  has  ever  existed  where  so  much  that  is  calcu- 
lated to  render  society  respectable  and  happy,  was  to  be 
found.  An  undoubted  right  to  a  territory  of  considera- 
ble extent  has  been  secured,  by  fair  purchase,  from  the 
native  kings  and  chiefs.  The  country  is  uncommonly 
beautiful  and  fertile,  and  to  the  natives,  or  those  who 
are  acclimated,  as  healthy  as  any  country  in  the  world. 
The  people  of  the  colony  live  in  comfortable  houses, 
and  are  plentifully  supplied  with  food,  with  moderate 
labour.  The  country  is  also  well  situated  for  commerce, 
by  attention  to  which,  a  number  of  persons  have  ac- 
quired a  handsome  property,  and  live  in  as  much  ele- 
gance and  affluence  as  the  majority  of  merchants  in 
this  country.  The  privileges  and  security  of  a  regular 
republican  government  are  fully  enjoyed.  The  people 
choose  their  own  representatives,  and  have  a  legislature 
and  judiciary  of  their  own  choice,  and  their  own  colour; 
the  only  officer  appointed  by  the  board  of  managers  in 
this  country  is  the  governor;  and  for  some  years,  this 
office  has  been  filled,  both  at  Monrovia,  and  Cape  Pal- 
mas,  by  coloured  men.  From  all  accounts,  there  is  as 
much  good  order,  morality,  and  subjection  to  law,  in 
Liberia,  as  in  any  other  country;  and  the  evidence  of 
it  is,  the  peaceful  state  of  society,  and  the  small  num- 
ber of  convictions  for  transgression  of  the  laws. 

The  community  of  Liberia  is  also  distinguished  for 


INTRODFCTIOX. 


its  schools  and  religious  privileges.  Nearly  all  the 
children  of  the  colony  have  the  opportunity  of  attend- 
ing school ;  and  almost  the  whole  population  are  in  the 
habit  of  regular  attendance  on  public  worship,  on  the 
Sabbath ;  and  we  do  not  know  any  community  upon 
earth,  where  so  great  a  proportion  of  the  people  are 
serious  professors  of  religion.  All  intelligent  persons 
who  have  visited  the  country,  however  strong  their  pre- 
judices against  the  colony  before,  have  come  away  very 
favourably  impressed  in  regard  to  its  prosperous  condi- 
tion ;  and  all  visiters  have  concurred  in  declaring,  that 
the  people  appeared,  almost  universally,  to  be  contented 
with  their  condition,  and  to  entertain  no  wish  to  return 
to  this  country.  The  problem  has  been  fairly  solved, 
that  the  coloured  race  are  as  capable  of  improvement  as 
the  whites,  and  in  every  department  of  government, 
they  have  manifested  sound  sense  and  discretion,  equal 
to  what  could  have  been  expected  from  people  of  any 
other  nation,  with  no  greater  advantages  of  education, 
than  they  have  enjoyed.  Indeed,  we  have  not  seen 
any  state  papers  which  indicate  a  sounder  judgment, 
and  more  just  discernment  of  the  true  interests  of  the 
colony,  than  those  of  Governor  Roberts.  Even  in  his 
correspondence  with  officers  of  the  British  navy,  on 
points  of  international  law,  he  appears  to  great  advan- 
tage; and  we  understand,  that  the  administration  of 
Governor  Russwurm  has  given  such  entire  satisfaction 
to  the  Maryland  Colonization  Board,  that  they  are  ex- 
tremely unwilling  that  he  should  resign  his  office. 

Two  things,  in  relation  to  the  native  Africans,  deserve 
special  attention ;  the  first  is,  that  several  hundred  na- 
tives recaptured  from  slave  ships,  have  been  settled  in 


INTRODUCTION. 


the  colony,  in  a  village  by  themselves,  and  are  now 
among  the  most  orderly  and  industrious  of  the  citizens, 
having,  for  the  most  part,  embraced  Christianity,  and 
possessing  schools  and  churches,  where  young  and  old 
attend  with  as  much  order  and  solemnity  as  in  any 
civilized  country. 

The  other  is,  that  many  thousands  of  the  natives 
choose  to  reside  within  the  territory  of  Liberia,  for  the 
sake  of  security  and  peace,  which  they  there  enjoy;  and 
willingly  obey  the  laws  of  the  colony. 

And  although  hostile  and  formidable  attacks  were 
made  on  the  colonists,  when  they  were  few  in  number, 
so  that  their  preservation  must  be  ascribed  to  the  re- 
markable interposition  of  Providence — yet,  now,  they 
are  free  from  all  apprehension  of  danger,  and  are  at 
peace  with  all  the  surrounding  tribes.  And  so  high 
is  the  opinion  entertained  of  the  government  of  the 
colony,  that  frequently,  the  disputes  among  the  neigh- 
bouring tribes  are  referred  to  them  for  arbitration. 

The  influence  of  the  colony  in  putting  an  end  to  the 
slave  trade,  has  been  confessedly  great.  The  coast  now 
possessed  by  the  colony,  had  long  been  famous  for  this 
inhuman  traffic;  but  now  along  a  coast  of  three  hun- 
dred miles,  there  is  not  more  than  one  or  two  places, 
where  any  slaver  dares  enter.  It  may  truly  be  said, 
that  more  has  been  done  by  the  establishment  of  this 
little  republic  of  freemen,  to  suppress  the  slave  trade, 
than  by  the  combined  operations  of  both  the  British 
and  American  navies.  Reflecting  men,  both  in  Great 
Britain  and  in  this  countrj^,  seem  now  to  be  convinced, 
that  the  only  efl"ectual  method  of  putting  an  end  to  the 
slave  trade  is  to  plant  colonies  along  the  coast,  and  to 


INTKODUCTION. 


make  trading  and  agricultural  establishments  in  every 
accessible  part  of  the  interior. 

Whether  this  colony  was  commenced  in  wisdom,  or 
imprudently,  it  now  exists,  and  cannot  be  abandoned. 
There  it  stands  on  the  savage  coast  of  Africa,  and  is 
likely  to  exist  for  a  long  time  to  come.  Hitherto,  no  ill 
consequence  has  followed  from  the  prosecution  of  the 
scheme  of  colonization ;  except  the  sacrifice  of  a  number 
of  valuable  lives  on  a  coast  peculiarly  unfavourable  to 
the  constitution  of  white  men.  It  has  provided  a  home 
for  some  thousands  of  coloured  people,  a  large  portion 
of  w^hom  exchanged  slavery  for  freedom,  and  a  degraded 
condition  in  society  for  one  of  independence  and  dignity. 
Who  can  doubt  that  the  colonists  of  Liberia  are  in  a 
far  more  eligible  state,  than  if  they  had  remained  in 
this  country?  And  who  can  tell  the  beneficial  influence 
w^hich  they  may  hereafter  exert  on  the  native  inhabi- 
tants of  the  dark  continent  of  Africa  ?  This  little  free 
republic  may,  for  aught  we  know,  be  the  germ  of  a 
great  and  flourishing  empire.  Look  back  three  hun- 
dred years,  and  you  will  see  a  few  feeble  colonies  of 
Europeans,  struggling  with  the  most  formidable  diffi- 
culties, and  often  on  the  very  verge  of  extinction,  and 
now  behold  these  small  colonies  grown  to  be  one  of  the 
most  powerful  nations  upon  earth ;  extending  its  com- 
merce to  every  quarter  of  the  habitable  globe;  produc- 
ing by  agriculture,  in  rich  abundance,  all  the  articles 
most  necessary  for  man's  subsistence;  and  manufac- 
turing clothing  far  more  than  is  needed  by  its  twenty 
million  of  inhabitants.  Let  it  be  considered,  that  the 
same  benignant  Providence  which  watched  over  this 
rising  country,  and  raised  it  to  its  present  eminence 
1* 


10  INTRODUCTION. 

among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  has  also  smiled  on  the 
infant  republic  of  Liberia.  The  indications  of  Divine 
favour  toward  this  colony  have  been  most  marked,  and 
some  of  them  truly  extraordinary,  as  will  most  fully 
appear,  in  the  events  recorded  in  the  following  history. 

The  principal  difficulties  have  been  encountered  and 
overcome.  A  work  has  been  achieved,  by  a  few  inde- 
fatigable and  philanthropic  men,  w^hich,  to  posterity, 
w^ill,  we  doubt  not,  appear  the  most  interesting  and  re- 
markable event  of  the  first  part  of  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury. No  such  work  was  ever  before  accomplished  by 
means  so  inadequate.  Unless  Providence  had  signally 
prospered  the  enterprise,  the  object  could  never  have 
been  realized.  It  is  to  us,  who  have  with  interest 
marked  every  disaster,  and  every  step  of  the  progress, 
a  most  astonishing  object  of  contemplation,  that  a 
private  association,  in  a  little  more  than  twenty  years, 
should,  by  voluntary  contributions,  without  the  aid  of 
the  general  government,  have  been  able  to  establish  a 
well  ordered  and  happy  republic  on  the  desert  shores  of 
Africa,  at  the  distance  of  three  or  four  thousand  miles! 
This  is,  indeed,  a  thing  which  would  scarcely  be  cre- 
dited, if  its  truth  depended  on  common  historical  testi- 
mony. 

The  idea  of  removing  all  the  coloured  population  of 
this  country,  has  been  ridiculed  as  fanciful  and  imprac- 
ticable. But  however  short  the  enterprise  may  come  of 
accomplishing  all  that  would  be  desirable,  in  regard  to 
this  unhappy  race,  j^et  let  it  be  kept  in  mind,  that  what- 
ever may  be  accomplished,  is  so  much  clear  gain ;  gain 
to  those  wlio  go,  by  greatly  meliorating  their  condition ; 
gain  to  those  who  stay,  by  diminishing  their  number ; 


INTRODUCTION.  11 

gain  to  the  white  population  who  desire  to  be  exempt 
from  this  class  of  people,  and  prospectively  an  incon- 
ceivable gain  to  Africa,  by  kindling  on  her  borders  the 
lights  of  Christianity,  civilization,  and  useful  science. 
If  not  another  individual  should  be  added  to  the  colony 
from  this  country,  Liberia  may  still  flourish  and  in- 
crease, and  become  a  rich  blessing  to  benighted  Africa. 
It  should  be  remembered,  however,  that  the  American 
Colonization  Society  never  proposed  such  a  thing,  as 
the  object  of  its  institution,  as  the  removal  to  Africa  of 
the  whole  coloured  population  of  this  country.  Their 
plan  embraced  no  others  than  free  people ;  they  careful- 
ly avoided  any  interference  with  those  held  in  bondage 
by  the  laws  of  the  States  w^here  they  reside.  The  only 
influence  which  the  Colonization  scheme  can  have  on 
slavery  is  indirect:  by  furnishing  a  comfortable  asylum 
for  such  as  are  free.  Many  conscientious  and  benevo- 
lent slaveholders,  who  were  restrained  from  emancipat- 
ing their  slaves,  from  the  consideration  that  there  was 
no  place  to  which  they  could  be  advantageously  sent, 
upon  seeing  that  the  colony  in  Africa  furnished  such 
an  asylum  as  they  wished,  have  been  induced  to  liberate 
their  slaves,  and  in  a  number  of  instances,  to  furnish 
them  with  every  thing  necessary  for  the  voyage,  and  in 
some  cases,  besides  giving  them  an  outfit,  have  gene- 
rously paid  their  passage.  The  Colonization  Society, 
therefore,  while  it  never  proposed  emancipation  as  its 
object,  has  done  more  incidentally,  to  promote  emanci- 
pation, than  all  the  Abolition  societies  in  the  country. 
Indeed,  these  have,  as  far  as  is  known  to  us,  redeemed 
no  slaves  from  bondage,  but  without  intending  it,  have, 
by  the  course  which  they  have  pursued,  riveted  the 


12  INTRODUCTION. 

chains  which  confine  the  slaves  more  closely  than  ever. 
No  one  has  a  right  to  complain  on  account  of  the  eman- 
cipation of  slaves,  by  the  will  and  free  consent  of  their 
owners.  The  abolitionists  if  sincere  in  their  professions, 
ouo-ht  to  rejoice  in  every  instance  of  the  kind ;  and  the 
advocates  of  slavery,  have  no  right  to  complain,  for  the 
fewer  the  number  left,  the  more  valuable  their  services. 
But  if  Liberia  should  continue  to  flourish  and  increase, 
it  is  not  so  improbable  as  many  suppose,  that  the  greater 
part  of  the  African  race,  now  in  this  country,  will  in  the 
inscrutable  dispensations  of  Providence,  be  restored  to 
the  country  of  their  fathers.  Why  so  many  of  this  un- 
happy race  w^ere  ever  permitted  to  be  brought  to  Ame- 
rica, begins  now  to  appear.  They  were  sent  here  by  a 
benignant  Providence  overruhng  the  wicked  passions 
of  avaricious  men,  that  they  might  be  christianized  and 
civihzed,  and  might  carry  back  to  their  benighted  coun- 
trymen, the  principles  of  religion,  freedom,  and  repre- 
sentative government. 

But  whether  these  hopes  shall  ever  be  realized  or  not, 
much  good  for  Africa  may  be  effected  by  the  Coloniza- 
tion enterprise,  much  good  has  already  been  effected, 
and  the  beneficial  results  of  the  colony  will  not  stop  here. 
Every  thing  is  in  progress;  and  the  time,  even  the  set 
time  to  favour  this  long  benighted  land,  is  drawing  near. 
No  instrumentality  is  so  likely  to  be  effectual  to  bring 
light  and  civilization  to  her  tribes,  as  the  return  of  her 
own  sons. 

If  the  pagans  of  Africa  are  ever  converted,  as  we 
believe  they  will  be,  it  must  be  by  the  preaching  of 
the  gospel,  and  in  order  to  this,  missionaries  must  be 
sent;  and  it  is  manifest,  that  the  existence  of  Christian 


INTRODUCTION.  13 

colonies  in  that  country,  will  furnish  a  degree  of  safety 
to  preachers  of  the  gospel  which  they  could  not  other- 
wise enjoy;  and  afford  facilities  for  introducing  the 
gospel  into  the  interior,  which  in  no  other  way  could 
be  had.  Already  these  little  settlements  on  the  coast  of 
Africa,  have  become  fields  for  missionary  labour;  for  the 
natives  continue  to  dwell  in  the  territory  ceded  to  the 
colony,  and  while  they  are  under  the  civil  jurisdiction 
of  its  government,  they  retain  their  own  towns  and 
personal  property.  It  is  true,  that  at  Cape  Palmas, 
some  misunderstanding  took  place  between  the  govern- 
ment and  the  missionaries  of  the  American  Board,  but 
this  furnishes  no  argument  against  the  utility  of  colo- 
nies as  auxiliaries  to  missions.  The  occasion  of  this 
difference  may  have  been  owing  to  undue  rigour  in 
administering  the  laws,  or  it  may  have  been  owing  to 
unreasonable  demands  and  expectations  on  the  part  of 
the  missionaries;  on  this  subject  we  wish  to  express  no 
opinion ;  but  surely  this  difference  of  opinion  between 
the  officers  of  government  and  the  missionaries,  does 
not  in  the  least  prove  that  the  existence  of  colonies  may 
not  be  highly  beneficial  to  the  operations  of  missionaries 
among  the  heathen.  Other  missionaries  at  this  same 
place  have  found  the  vicinity  of  the  colony  important; 
and  in  one  instance,  a  worthy  missionary  was  exposed  to 
imminent  danger  from  the  violence  of  the  savages,  from 
which  he  was  delivered  by  the  seasonable  arrival  of  one 
of  our  vessels  of  war;  but  had  there  been  no  colony 
there,  no  such  relief  would  have  been  experienced. 
Missionaries  greatly  need  the  aid  and  protection  of  civil 
authority,  as  appears  by  the  present  unhappy  condition 
of  the  islands  in  the  Pacific.     All  that  can  reasonably 


14  INTRODUCTION. 

be  inferred  from  the  unpleasant  disagreement  alluded 
to,  is,  that  missionaries  should  be  very  careful  to  submit 
to  the  laws  and  obey  the  orders  which  may  be  found 
necessary  for  the  welfare  of  the  colonies  where  they 
reside,  and  gratefully  to  accept  the  protection  and  facili- 
ties for  introducing  the  gospel,  afforded  by  the  colonies. 
And  Christian  rulers  in  these  colonies,  should  do  everv 
thing  in  their  power  to  aid  the  missionaries  in  their 
arduous  work  of  propagating  the  gospel  among  the 
surrounding  pagan  tribes.  But  it  is  not  an  unfounded 
expectation,  that  the  colonists  themselves  will  establish 
missions  among  the  heathen  in  their  vicinity,  for  they 
have  already  commenced  the  work.  Both  the  Methodist 
and  Baptist  denominations  have  engaged  in  this  work, 
and  not  without  encouraging  success.  Indeed,  it  is  our 
belief,  that  this  great  work  of  evangelizing  Africa,  will 
be  accomplished,  not  so  much  by  missionaries  sent  from 
abroad,  as  by  the  zeal  and  Christian  enterprise  of  the 
various  colonies  which  from  time  to  time  will  be  planted 
along  the  whole  western  coast  of  Africa.  Some  very 
interesting  facts  have  recently  occurred,  in  relation  to 
this  subject,  in  the  colony  of  Sierra  Leone.  A  number 
of  recaptured  Africans  from  countries  in  the  interior, 
after  being  instructed  in  the  doctrines  of  Christianity, 
were  desirous  of  revisiting  their  native  land ;  and  ac- 
cordingly were  furnished  with  the  means  of  returning 
to  their  friends.  The  communications  of  these  con- 
verted Africans,  prepared  the  way  for  a  visit  from  mis- 
sionaries, sent  out  from  Sierra  Leone,  who  have  been 
cordially  received  by  the  king  of  a  region  of  which  little 
was  heretofore  known;  and  there  is  now  a  pleasing 
prospect  of  propagating  the  gospel  in  this  benighted 


INTRODUCTION".  15 

region.  And  it  is  a  well  ascertained  fact,  that  some  of 
the  African  nations,  among  the  most  cruel  that  ever 
lived  upon  earth,  appear  now  disposed  to  receive  mis- 
sionaries, and  pay  attention  to  the  gospel.  Were  it  not 
that  the  climate  of  Africa  is  so  inimical  to  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  white  man,  there  is  not  a  country  on  the 
globe,  where  there  is  stronger  encouragement  to  mis- 
sionary efforts.  But  it  seems  the  ordination  of  Heaven, 
that  xA-frica  shall  be  regenerated  by  the  instrumentality 
of  her  own  sons,  chiefly.  And  it  is  an  interesting  fact, 
that  already  from  among  the  emancipated  slaves  of  the 
West  Indies,  missionaries  have  gone,  or  are  preparing 
to  go  to  Africa,  to  carry  the  glorious  gospel  to  their 
benighted  countrymen.  This  view  of  the  effect  of  the 
Colonization  scheme,  is  to  our  minds  the  most  animating 
of  all  others.  The  redemption  of  Africa  from  the  cruel 
tyranny  of  the  prince  of  darkness,  and  from  the  most 
miserable  and  degrading  bondage  of  the  crudest  super- 
stition upon  earth,  is  the  object  on  which  our  hopes  are 
fixed ;  and  w^e  do  believe  from  the  signs  of  the  times, 
that  the  period  is  not  far  distant,  when  "Ethiopia  shall 
stretch  out  her  hands  unto  God,"  and  we  confidently 
expect,  that  the  American  Colonization  scheme  will  act 
an  important  part  in  achieving  this  great  work. 

A  most  unreasonable  opinion  was  hastily  taken  up  by 
Abolitionists,  founded  on  some  unguarded  expressions  of 
Southern  men,  at  the  first  public  meeting  to  form  a 
Colonization  society  at  AVashington,  that  one  object,  or 
rather  tendency  of  the  institution  was,  to  render  the 
property  in  slaves  more  valuable,  by  removing  from 
among  them  the  free  people  of  colour,  by  whom  they 
were  greatly  corrupted.     These  declarations  of  indivi- 


16  INTRODtrCTION. 

dual  slaveholders,  perfectly  innocent  when  properly 
understood,  were  attributed  to  the  society,  and  tortured 
into  a  meaning  as  foreign  from  the  views  of  Coloniza- 
tionists,  as  they  are  from  those  of  Abolitionists.  As  has 
been  repeatedly  said,  the  originators  and  founders  of 
this  society,  whatever  they  might  think  of  slavery,  de- 
termined to  engage  in  a  benevolent  enterprise,  which 
should  aim  to  accomplish  a  great  good,  without  meddling 
with  a  subject  so  exciting,  and  so  difficult  to  be  disposed 
of,  as  that  of  American  slavery.  They  did  not  even  sup- 
pose that  the  scheme  which  they  intended  to  prosecute, 
would  either  stand  in  the  w^ay  of  any  efforts  to  bring 
about  emancipation,  or  that  it  would  be  a  substitute  for 
schemes  of  this  kind.  They  did,  indeed,  foresee  that, 
if  the  enterprise  should  prove  successful,  and  a  well 
ordered  colony  should  be  established  in  Africa,  it  would 
enable  those  slaveholders,  who,  from  whatever  motive, 
wished  to  get  clear  of  their  slaves,  to  send  them  to  an 
asylum,  where  they  would  have  every  opportunity  of 
enjoying  the  privileges  of  freemen.  But  this  is  in  perfect 
harmony  with  the  laws  of  most,  if  not  all  the  slavehold- 
ing  States,  which  permit  every  man  who  chooses,  to  libe- 
rate his  slaves,  provided  he  send  them  out  of  the  State. 
But  how  the  Colonization  scheme  should  have  any 
tendency  to  perpetuate  slavery,  is  utterly  inconceivable. 
For,  though  it  interfere  not  with  the  existing  relations 
between  master  and  servant,  as  established  by  law;  yet 
the  more  slaves  are  emancipated,  the  greater  w^ork  is 
before  them,  and  the  greater  the  need  of  some  plan  by 
which  they  might  be  removed.  And  so  far  from  tending 
to  perpetuate  slavery,  if  all  the  slaves  in  the  country 
were  now  emancipated,   the   need  of  such   a  scheme 


INTRODUCTION.  17 

would  be  ten  times  more  urgent  than  it  is  at  present ; 
because  there  would  be  ten  times  as  many  persons 
thrown  into  a  helpless,  degraded  state,  without  the 
means  of  comfortable  subsistence.  The  Abolitionists, 
therefore,  instead  of  setting  themselves  in  opposition  to 
this  scheme,  ought  to  have  hailed  it  as  one  calculated  to 
provide  a  comfortable  residence  for  all  whose  emancipa- 
tion they  might  be  able  to  eifect.  Two  races  of  men, 
nearly  equal  in  numbers,  but  differing  as  much  as  the 
whites  and  blacks,  cannot  form  one  harmonious  society 
in  any  other  way  than  by  amalgamation;  but  the  whites 
and  blacks,  in  this  country,  by  no  human  efforts,  could 
be  amalgamated  into  one  homogeneous  mass  in  a  thou- 
sand years;  and  during  this  long  period,  the  state  of 
society  would  be  perpetually  disturbed  by  many  con- 
tending factions.  Either  the  whites  must  remove  and 
give  up  the  country  to  the  coloured  people,  or  the 
coloured  people  must  be  removed ;  otherwise  the  latter 
must  remain  in  subjection  to  the  former.  And  the  ques- 
tion for  the  philanthropist  to  decide  is,  whether  the  rela- 
tion of  master  and  servant  as  now  existing,  or  a  state  of 
degradation,  such  as  the  free  people  of  colour  are  now 
labouring  under,  be  the  most  eligible.  In  the  former 
case,  the  weak  and  poor  have  a  patron  and  protector, 
and  a  kind  feeling  is  generated  betAveen  the  master  and 
servant,  where  they  are  disposed  to  perform,  respectively, 
their  relative  duties;  but,  in  the  other  case,  the  poor 
coloured  race  are  mere  outcasts  from  society;  and  no 
feeling  of  kindness,  but  only  of  contempt  and  dislike,  is 
generally  entertained  towards  them  by  the  whites,  be- 
cause they  are  everywhere  considered,  with  few  excep- 
tions, bad  members  of  society.  And  their  condition  in 
2 


18  INTRODUCTION. 

the  free  States  is  not  better  than  in  the  slave  States,  but 
worse.  It  does  appear,  therefore,  that  we  cannot  benefit 
the  slaves  by  obtaining  liberty  for  them  in  this  coun- 
try; and  that  liberty  which  brings  with  it  no  benefit, 
but  an  increase  of  misery,  is  a  poor  boon.  It  does  ap- 
pear to  me — and  I  have  for  a  long  time  most  earnestly 
considered  the  subject — that  we  can  confer  a  real  benefit 
on  the  African  race  in  no  other  way  than  by  separating 
them  from  the  whites,  and  removing  them  to  the  country 
of  their  fathers,  which  is  still  congenial  to  their  constitu- 
tion. There  are  thousands  of  slaveholders  who  would 
give  up  their  slaves,  if  they  were  fully  satisfied  that 
Liberia  would  be  permanently  a  safe  and  comfortable 
abode  for  them.  The  attention  of  many  people  of  the 
South  is  now  directed  intensely  towards  this  rising 
colony;  and  more,  many  are  now  educating  their 
younger  slaves,  with  some  view  to  a  future  residence 
in  that  land  of  promise.  And  the  noble  example  of 
McDonogh  will  be  followed  substantially  by  many. 

In  the  vast  continent  of  Africa,  there  are  extensive 
regions  which  lie  uncultivated.  It  is  for  the  benefit  of 
the  human  race  that  men  should  not  be  crowded  to- 
gether in  dense  masses,  while  so  many  countries,  natu- 
rally fertile,  are  inhabited  only  by  wild  beasts,  or  are 
roamed  over  by  a  few  miserable  savages.  Large  cities 
are  justly  termed,  by  a  sagacious  politician,  "great 
sores"  on  the  body  politic.  Even  in  our  largest  cities, 
which  are  comparatively  of  modern  origin,  one-fifth  of 
the  population,  so  far  from  adding  to  the  strength  or 
riches  of  the  community,  hang  as  a  dead  weight  upon 
the  industrious  and  useful  inhabitants.  How  much 
better  would  it  be,  to  have  a  large  portion  of  these 


INTRODUCTION.  19 

settled  on  the  fresh  soil  of  our  extensive   territories! 
America,  however,  is  in  a  fair  way  of  having  all  her 
valuable  lands  inhabited  and  cultivated.   The  discovery 
of  this  continent,  and  its  colonization  by  Europeans, 
has  been  one  of  the  most  important  events  which  has 
occurred  for  centuries.     Millions  have  found  an  asylum 
and  a  comfortable  home  here,  who,  with  their  posterity, 
would  have  been  poor  and  miserable  in  their  native 
countries.     But  who  shall  people  the  wild  regions  of 
Africa?     Undoubtedly  it  is  the  will  of  the  great  Parent 
of  the  human  race,  that  this  wide  continent  should  be 
possessed  and  cultivated  by  mankind.     But  Africa  is 
not  the   country  for  white   men.     Europeans   cannot 
colonize  these  regions,  the  climate  is  so  deleterious  to 
their  constitution :  and  the  same  is  true  of  Americans. 
If  ever  Africa  is  settled  and  occupied,  it  must  be  by 
her  sons,  scattered  over  the  face  of  this  western  world. 
For  although  generations  have  passed  away  since  the 
forefathers  of  the  present  race  of  coloured  people  were 
dragged  from  their  native  land,  yet  it  is  found  by  ex- 
perience, that  Africa  is  a  climate  adapted  to  the  consti- 
tution of  the  coloured  men  of  this  continent.     As  far 
as  experience  has  been  had,  no  people  are  more  exempt 
from  disease,  after  the  acclimating  fever  has  been  passed 
throuo-h,  than  the  inhabitants   of  Liberia.     It  seems 
plainly,  therefore,  to  be  the  duty  and  the  interest  of  the 
coloured  race  in  this  country,  where  every  thing  is  so 
unfavourable  to   their   rising  to  their  proper  level  in 
society,  to  turn  their  eyes  to  Africa,  where  there  is  a 
free  and  happy  repubhc,  composed  and  governed  en- 
tirely by  men  of  their  own  colour ;  and  where  every 
honest  citizen  feels  that  he  stands  upon  an  equality 


20  INTRODUCTION. 

with  any  other  man  in  the  world.  And  it  behoves 
those  who  industriously  sow  prejudices  against  Coloni- 
zation, in  the  minds  of  the  free  people  of  colour,  to 
consider  what  injury  they  may  be  inflicting  on  them 
and  their  posterity.  Let  them  either  propose  some 
method  by  which  these  degraded  and  trodden  down 
people  may  be  rendered  more  comfortable  knd  respect- 
able here,  or  let  them  not  throw  obstacles  in  the  way  of 
their  emigration  to  a  country  where  they  might  have  the 
opportunity  of  enjoying  the  real  blessings  of  freedom. 
It  is  in  vain  to  declaim  about  the  prejudice  of  colour ; 
however  unreasonable,  it  will  long  continue  to  exist, 
and  will  prove  an  effectual  bar  to  the  possession  and  en- 
joyment of  the  same  privileges  and  advantages  which 
the  white  population  enjoy.  If  I  were  a  coloured  man, 
I  would  not  hesitate  a  moment  to  relinquish  a  country 
where  a  black  skin  and  the  lowest  deo^ree  of  de^rada- 
tion  are  so  identified,  that  scarcely  any  manifestation  of 
talent,  or  course  of  good  conduct,  can  entirely  overcome 
the  prejudice  which  exists;  and  which  is  as  strong,  if 
not  stronger,  in  the  free,  than  in  the  slaveholding  States : 
and  I  would  use  every  exertion  to  reach  a  land,  where 
it  is  no  crime,  and  no  dishonour,  to  appear  in  a  coloured 
skin — a  country  where  no  white  superiors  exist  to  look 
down  with  contempt  upon  the  coloured  race ;  but  where 
they  are  the  lords  of  the  soil,  and  the  rulers  of  the 
nation.  I  cannot  but  admire  the  honest  ambition  and 
noble  daring  of  the  first  emigrants  from  this  country  to 
Africa.  Then,  no  Liberia  existed.  The  Society  did 
not  own  one  foot  of  ground  on  that  continent,  and  it 
was  extremely  doubtful  whether  they  would  be  able  to 
obtain  any  territory  for  a  colony.  Yet,  these  lion-hearted 


INTRODUCTION'.  21 

men,  resolved  to  run  every  risk ;  took,  as  it  were,  their 
lives  in  their  hands.  They  went  out,  like  Abraham, 
not  knowing  whither  they  went,  or  what  destiny  awaited 
them.  And  the  event  has  proved,  that  they  were  called 
by  the  Providence  of  God,  to  engage  in  this  hazardous 
enterprise.  And  I  cannot  but  feel  pity  for  the  grovel- 
ing views  of  many  coloured  men,  now  residing  in  a 
state  of  degradation,  in  this  country,  who,  in  Liberia, 
might  rise  to  wealth  and  independence,  and,  perhaps, 
to  high  and  honourable  office. 

One  of  the  first  laws  given  to  man,  and  which  is  still 
in  full  force,  was,  "  Replenish  the  earth  and  subdue 
it;"  and  after  the  deluge,  God  signally  rebuked  the  de- 
termination of  the  people  to  remain  together,  by  con- 
founding their  language,  and  thus  scattering  them  over 
the  face  of  the  earth.  The  object  of  the  multitude  in 
erecting  this  immense  tower  is  plainly  declared  to  have 
been,  "lest  they  should  be  scattered  abroad  on  the  face 
of  the  whole  earth;"  and  the  object  of  the  Almighty  in 
the  stupendous  miracle,  now  wrought,  by  which  the 
language  of  the  people  was  confounded,  is  distinctly 
declared  to  have  been,  "  to  scatter  them  abroad  upon 
the  face  of  all  the  earth."  It  is,  therefore,  plainl}^  the 
will  of  God  that  the  human  race  should  not  collect  in 
dense  bodies  in  some  particular  parts  of  the  world,  while 
large  tracts  of  habitable  land  lie  desert  and  uncultiva- 
ted. The  command  "  to  replenish  the  earth  and  sub- 
due it,"  is  still  in  full  force.  And  to  what  people 
does  it  equally  belong  to  possess  and  cultivate  the 
extensive  and  fertile  regions  of  Africa,  as  to  the  sons 
of  Africa  in  this  country,  who  need  a  home,  where 
they  may  enjoy  equal  privileges  with  others,  and  where 


22  INTRODUCTION. 

they  may  be  the  instruments  of  diffusing  among  the 
barbarous  natives  the  lights  of  Christianity  and  civiliza- 
tion? If  ever  the  negro  race  are  raised  from  their  de- 
graded state  of  ignorance  and  vice,  in  Africa,  it  will 
probably  be  by  the  return  of  the  descendants  of  that 
race  spread  over  so  large  a  part  of  this  western  conti- 
nent, and  over  the  West  India  Islands.  If  the  wise  and 
benevolent  plan  of  civilizing  Africa,  and  putting  an  end 
to  the  slave  trade,  devised  by  Sir  Folsom  Buxton,  and 
which  was  attempted  to  be  carried  into  effect  at  so  great 
expense  of  life  and  money,  had  adopted  the  principle  of 
sending  back  the  emancipated  negroes  from  the  British 
colonies  in  the  West  India  Islands,  instead  of  attempt- 
ing to  settle  colonies  of  white  Europeans  in  the  delete- 
rious climate  of  Africa,  the  object  sought,  so  important 
and  desirable,  would,  in  all  probability,  have  been  ac- 
complished. And  if  the  colony  of  Sierra  Leone,  should 
need  to  be  recruited,  it  will  be  found  expedient  to  in- 
vite the  most  enterprising  and  best  educated  of  the 
negroes  of  the  West  Indies,  to  emigrate  to  that  country. 
The  present  difficulties  of  Liberia,  in  consequence  of 
the  ungenerous  conduct  of  certain  officers  of  the  British 
navy  towards  the  unoffending  colonists,  will,  it  is  pre- 
sumed, be  of  short  duration.  It  would  be  an  indelible 
reproach  to  the  magnanimous  government  of  Great  Bri- 
tain, to  be  the  means  of  destroying  or  injuring  an  infant 
republic,  just  starting  into  existence,  under  the  most 
favourable  auspices.  Liberia  may  be  considered  as  a 
star  of  promise  which  twinkles  in  the  dense  darkness 
which  overshadows  the  African  continent.  This  com- 
munity may  be  said,  without  exaggeration,  to  be  the 
most  extraordinary  upon  earth,  when  all   the  circum- 


INTRODUCTION.  23 

stances  of  its  origin  and  progress  are  taken  into  view. 
Providence  has  evidently  and  remarkably  smiled  on 
the  enterprise,  and,  we  trust  with  confidence,  will  de- 
fend it  against  all  who  may  attempt  its  destruction. 
Let  those,  then,  who  oppose  the  scheme  of  African  Colo- 
nization, beware,  lest  they  be  found  resisting  what  God 
approves.  As  for  himself,  the  writer  is  as  fully  per- 
suaded that  the  plan  of  colonizing  the  free  people  of 
colour  in  Africa,  is  wise  and  benevolent,  as  he  ever  was 
of  the  wisdom  and  benevolence  of  any  human  enter- 
prise. 

ARCHIBALD  ALEXANDER, 

Princeton,  New  Jersey, 

January  Gth^  1846. 


HISTOEY  OF  AFKICATs'  COLONIZATION. 


CHAPTER  I. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  WESTERN  COAST  OF  AFRICA. 

From  Sierra  Leone  to  Cape  Palmas  the  bearing  of  the  Coast  of 
Africa  is  south-east.  Thence  it  turns  ahnost  due  east  for  more 
than  fifteen  degrees  of  longitude,  whence  it  again  turns  to  the 
south-east. 

The  general  face  of  the  country  around  Sierra  Leone  is  un- 
commonly beautiful  and  attractive.  It  is  covered  with  stately 
and  umbrageous  trees,  among  which  the  elegant  palm-tree  is 
not  the  least  conspicuous.  The  soil  is  various,  but  is  generally 
fruitful,  and  yields  abundantly  all  the  necessaries  of  life.  The 
savannahs  are  least  fruitful  and  consist  chiefly  of  beds  of  sand 
or  rock.  They  are  usually  overflowed  in  the  rainy  season,  and 
are  covered  wuh  tall  coarse  grass,  and  a  few  stunted  trees. 

Our  division  of  the  year  into  winter  and  summer,  spring  and 
autumn,  is  not  applicable  to  the  climate  of  this  country.  They 
have  but  two  seasons,  the  wet  and  the  dry;  but  the  rainy  sea- 
son does  not  occur  on  all  parts  of  the  coast  at  the  same  time, 
but  seems  to  move  progressively  from  one  place  to  another. 
A  continued,  heavy  rain  of  thirty  hours,  without  intermission, 
occurs  but  seldom,  and  more  frequently  twelve  hours  of  heavy 
rain,  are  succeeded  by  a  day  or  two  of  clear  and  remarkably 
pleasant  weather.  This  part  of  the  year  from  its  coldness,  is 
most  agreeable  to  Europeans,  and  North  Americans,  but  at  the 
same  time,  it  is  undoubtedly  the  most  unhealthy.  The  con- 
tinuance of  this  season  is  about  four  months.  Its  commence- 
ment and  termination  are  marked  with  tornadoes.  These  are 
violent  gusts  of  wind,  attended  with  thunder  and  lightning, 
which  come  from  the  east,  and  are  usually  accompanied  with 
heavy  rain.  The  violence  of  the  wind  seldom  lasts  more  than 
3 


26  HISTORr    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

half  an  hour;  but  while  it  continues,  the  scene  is  one  of  the 
most  awfully  sublime  in  nature. 

The  heat  has  been  observed  at  Sierra  Leone,  as  high  as  103° 
of  Fahrenheit,  but  the  mean  degree  is  about  84°;  the  heat,  how- 
ever, is  greater  in  places  inland,  than  on  the  coast. 

The  longest  day  at  Sierra  Leone,  is  nearly  twelve  hours  and 
a  half,  and  the  shortest  eleven  and  a  half.  During  the  dry  sea- 
son, there  is  a  haziness  in  the  atmosphere,  which  prevents  ob- 
jects from  being  seen  at  as  great  a  distance  as  in  clear  weather. 
The  freeness  with  which  perspiration  flows,  and  an  almost  con- 
stant breeze,  seem  to  mitigate  the  severity  of  the  heat  on  this 
coast,  so  that  persons  are  not  sensible  of  its  intensity,  but  expe- 
rience a  refreshing  degree  of  coolness. 

The  quickness  and  luxuriance  of  vegetation  in  Western  Africa 
is  such,  that  without  much  exaggeration,  the  plants  may  be 
said  visibly  to  grow.  As  the  trees  are  not  despoiled  of  their 
leaves  at  once,  but  have  a  constant  succession,  they  always 
retain  the  appearance  of  summer. 

Agriculture  is  practised  along  the  whole  coast,  but  is  in  a 
rude  and  infant  state.  About  Sierra  Leone  the  rice  is  thrown 
upon  the  groimd  and  scratched  into  the  earth  with  a  kind  of 
hoe.  When  the  crop  is  nearly  ripe,  some  children  or  old  people 
are  sent  to  drive  away  the  birds  which  now  appear  in  amazing 
numbers,  and  are  ever  on  the  watch  to  commit  depredations. 
The  harvest,  of  which  there  is  only  one  in  the  year,  occurs 
about  four  months  after  the  time  of  sowing.  The  plantations 
are  cultivated  by  the  inhabitants  of  a  whole  village,  in  com- 
mon, and  the  produce  divided  among  the  families  in  proportion 
to  their  numbers;  except  that  the  head  man  of  the  village 
claims  a  larger  quantity,  as  it  is  his  duty  to  exercise  hospitality 
to  strangers  and  others.  Along  the  whole  coast  from  Gambia 
to  the  Gold  Coast,  rice  constitutes  the  chief  support  of  the  na- 
tives; but  they  also  cultivate  plantain,  yams,  sweet  potatoes, 
cassada,  &c.  A  variety  of  excellent  fruits  grow  on  the  coast, 
but  are  little  cultivated.  Pine  apples  and  oranges  are  in  great 
perfection ;  and  there  are  also  grapes,  cocoa-nuts,  guavas, 
water-melons,  plums,  &c.  The  palm  here,  as  in  some  other 
countries,  is  the  most  valuable  tree,  and  answers  the  greatest 
variety  of  purposes.  The  leaves  furnish  an  excellent  covering 
for  houses,  and  their  fibres  fishing  lines ;  while  their  inner  bark 
is  manufactured  into  a  species  of  coarse  cloth ;  and  from  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  27 

outer  bark  of  the  young  tree,  baskets,  mats,  &c.  are  made. 
The  fruit  also,  which  is  nearly  as  large  as  a  hen's  egg,  when 
roasted  is  esteemed  a  great  delicacy;  and  the  palm-oil  is  almost 
a  necessary  of  life,  as  it  is  used  in  all  dishes,  as  butter  is 
in  other  countries.  The  palm-wine  is  also  in  high  esteem 
among  the  natives.  The  diet  of  the  people  is  very  simple,  con- 
sisting chiefly  of  rice  and  palm-oil,  with  occasionally  a  small 
portion  of  animal  food.  They  have  but  two  meals  in  a  day; 
the  one  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  the  other  about 
sunset.  The  nations  living  near  the  coast  have  oxen,  sheep, 
and  goats  ;  and  of  wild  animals,  deer,  buffalo,  wild  hogs,  &c. 
The  guinea-fowl  is  abundant,  in  a  wild  state,  on  the  Gambia, 
but  not  at  Sierra  Leone.  Fish  are  caught  by  those  on  the 
coast,  or  in  rivers ;  and  in  some  places,  dogs,  rats,  and  mon- 
keys are  eaten ;  and  also  a  large  worm,  found  on  the  palm-tree, 
is  esteemed  a  great  delicacy. 

The  Foolahs  and  Mandingoes,  who  are  Mohammedans,  ab- 
stain from  intoxicating  liquors,  and  from  such  animal  food  as  is 
forbidden  in  the  Koran ;  but  the  Pagan  nations  are  very  fond  of 
ardent  spirits,  and  often  drink  to  excess.  All  however  are  ad- 
dicted to  the  use  of  tobacco.  Their  villages  are  commonly 
situated  in  places  difficult  of  access,  to  avoid  kidnappers,  and 
are  commonly  built  in  a  circular  form,  enclosing  an  area,  in  the 
midst  of  which  is  placed  the  palave?-  house,  or  town  hall.  The 
houses  are  so  near  together  that  when  one  takes  fire,  the  whole 
are  involved  in  the  conflagration.  They  are  usually  of  no 
more  than  one  story,  and  are  either  of  a  round  or  square  form. 
They  are  composed  of  posts  placed  at  the  corners,  and  sunk  a 
foot  and  a  half  into  the  ground,  and  the  intermediate  space  is 
filled  up  with  smaller  posts  and  branches,  and  then  plastered 
outside  with  clay.  They  seldom  contain  more  than  one  apart- 
ment. By  the  projection  of  the  roof,  which  is  composed  of 
bamboo,  there  is  formed  a  sort  of  piazza,  where  they  spend 
much  of  their  time. 

The  government  of  Africa  is  generally  monarchical,  but  not 
hereditary.  Among  the  Timmanees,  and  Bulloms,  the  crown 
remains  in  the  same  family,  but  the  head  inan  on  whom  the 
right  of  election  devolves,  may  choose  a  very  distant  branch  of 
the  family.  By  Europeans  many  are  denominated  kings,  who 
have  scarcely  the  shadow  of  a  title  to  this  dignity.  Each  town 
or  village  is  usually  under  the  jurisdiction  of  some  person  of 


28  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

age,  and  distinguished  for  his  good  sense  and  knowledge  of  the 
laws  of  the  country,  who  is  called  the  head  man,  to  whom  it 
appertains  to  judge  in  every  dispute,  and  to  represent  his  town 
at  any  meeting  to  consult  for  the  general  good.  The  whole 
village  are  accustomed  to  treat  him  with  respect,  and  to  yield 
him  implicit  obedience. 

That  part  of  the  coast  in  the  vicinity  of  Sierra  Leone  is 
inhabited  by  three  distinct  races  of  people :  first,  the  Moors, 
the  descendants  of  the  ancient  Numidians,  Carthaginians,  Ro- 
mans, Vandals,  &c.  Between  the  conquest  of  Africa  by  the 
Arabians,  and  the  year  G98,  all  the  inhabitants  received  the 
Mohammedan  faith. 

The  second  race  are  the  Arabians,  who  under  the  Caliphs,  the 
successors  of  Mohammed,  subdued  Africa.  Some  of  these 
penetrated  as  far  south  as  the  Gambia,  and  the  Foolahs  appear 
to  be  among  their  descendants. 

The  third  race  are  the  Negroes ;  they  are  found  from  the 
Gambia  to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Many  of  the  countries 
inhabited  by  the  negroes  are  yet  undiscovered,  and  others  little 
known.  The  Mandingoes  inhabit  the  banks  of  the  Gambia, 
and  are  a  numerous  race,  who  have  long  since  embraced  the 
Mohammedan  religion.  They  are  very  strict  in  adhering  to 
their  profession,  and  solicitous  to  make  proselytes.  When  the 
Portuguese  conquered  this  country,  about  1420,  they  setded 
colonies  in  it,  and  intermarried  with  the  natives — hence  the 
Mandingoes  will  not  admit  that  they  belong  to  the  negro  race, 
but  consider  themselves  as  belonging  to  the  whites.  North  of 
the  Gambia  there  is  a  people  called  Jalofs,  extending  far  into 
the  interior.  They  are  remarkable  for  the  glossy  blackness  of 
their  colour,  and  the  beauty  of  their  features.  They  are  also  a 
warlike  people,  and  are  careful  to  preserve  the  firmness  and 
hardihood  of  their  character. 

The  Foolahs  live  at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  sea. 
Their  capital  Teembo  is  in  the  latitude  of  16°  north.  They 
are  also  Mohammedans,  and  are  chiefly  employed  in  agricul- 
ture. The  evidence  of  their  being  descendants  of  the  Arabians 
is  strong,  for  their  colour  is  about  as  tawny,  and  they  speak  the 
Arabic  language,  which  is  taught  in  their  schools.  Their  laws 
are  also  written  in  the  same.  Although  strangers  in  the  coun- 
try, the  Foolahs  are  the  greatest  planters  in  it.  They  are  in- 
dustrious and  frugal,  and  raise  more  cotton  and  grain  than  they 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  29 

need  for  themselves,  which  they  dispose  of  to  the  neighbouring 
nations,  by  whom  they  are  held  in  high  esteem.  They  breed 
many  cattle  and  understand  the  management  of  them.  They 
are  also  great  huntsmen,  often  going  in  large  companies  to  hunt 
the  elephant  and  the  tiger.  Although  this  is  the  country  of  the 
Foolahs,  yet,  from  the  travels  of  Clapperton  and  Denham  it 
appears,  that  by  conquest  and  by  emigration  they  are  extend- 
ing themselves  very  far  into  the  interior  and  to  the  south  ;  and 
by  the  Landers  they  were  found  upon  tlie  river  Niger,  or 
Quorra,  below  the  part  where  it  was  discovered  by  these 
brothers. 

The  Kroomans  are  a  very  remarkable  race.  They  are  in 
colour  a  dirty  black,  and  their  whole  appearance  is  unsightly. 
They  are  found  along  the  coast  almost  every  where  for  fifteen 
hundred  miles,  and  perform  all  the  hard  work  which  is  needed  in 
loading  and  unloading  vessels,  and  in  other  laborious  employ- 
ments. They  are  an  honest,  industrious,  plodding,  tractable  peo- 
ple, who  seem  to  be  formed  for  mercenary  labour,  of  which  they 
never  complain.  The  country  where  most  of  them  live,  is  from 
Cape  Mount  to  Cape  Palmas.  They  seem  to  pay  little  attention 
to  religion,  but  they  are  generally  Pagans.*  The  Kroomans, 
although  they  bear  the  heat  of  the  climate  without  inconve- 
nience, and  have  little  sickness  among  them,  are  exceedingly 
sensible  of  the  cold  at  Sierra  Leone  during  the  rainy  season. 
Their  only  clothing  is  a  piece  of  cloth  around  the  body,  although 
they  are  fond  of  wearing  the  cast  clothes  of  Europeans.  In 
their  expenditures  they  are  most  rigid  economists ;  a  little 
tobacco  is  the  only  luxury  in  which  they  indulge;  in  every 
other  respect  they  are  contented  with  bare  necessaries.  The 
Krooman  will  go  abroad  and  labour  hard  for  eighteen  months  or 
two  years,  when  he  will  return  home  with  his  earnings.  Of 
this  the  head  man  receives  a  portion,  his  mother  a  present, 
and  something  for  every  one  of  his  relations,  if  it  is  only  a  leaf 
of  tobacco.  All  this  is  done  "to  get  him  a  good  name  ;"  the 
remainder  is  given  to  his  father  to  buy  him  a  wife.  After  a  few 
months  he  sets  off  again  to  Sierra  Leone  or  some  other  part  of 

*  Although  the  Kroomans  are  found  every  where  along  the  coast  from  the 
Gambia  to  Cape  Palmas,  yet  they  have  a  country  of  tlieir  own  which  lies  on  the 
coast  between  Bassa  Cove  and  Cape  Palmas.  In  this  country,  at  Settra  Kroo,  the 
Presbyterian  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  have  a  missionary  station,  where  the 
prospects  of  usefulness  are  very  great,  if  only  missionaries  can  be  found  capable 
of  bearing  the  climate. 
3* 


30  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  coast  to  get  more  money,  and  feels  proud  of  being  acquainted 
with  the  "white  man's  faith,"  and  takes  some  raw  inexperi- 
enced youth  to  be  initiated  into  the  mysteries  of  the  craft,  a  large 
part  of  whose  earnings  he  appropriates  to  himself  for  his  trouble. 
When  his  coffers  are  once  more  replenished,  he  returns  home 
again,  and  gives  the  money  he  has  gained  to  his  father  to  "  buy 
him  another  wife."  In  this  way  they  will  often  proceed  for  a 
dozen  years  or  more,  increasing  the  number  of  their  wives,  and 
establishing  a  great  character  among  their  countrymen,  but 
applying  scarcely  a  pemiy  of  their  earnings  to  their  own  use. 
Their  wealth  consists  very  much  in  the  number  of  their  wives. 
A  Krooman  being  asked  what  he  intended  to  do  with  so  much 
money  as  he  possessed,  answered  that  he  would  buy  two  more 
wives  in  addition  to  the  two  he  already  had,  and  then  he  would 
return  to  Sierra  Leone  and  get  more  money.  His  father,  he 
said,  had  eighteen  wives.  Their  wives,  it  must  be  remem- 
bered, are  their  slaves,  to  labour  not  only  in  the  house,  but 
in  the  field. 

In  this  country  the  Mohammedan  races  have  a  manifest 
superiority  over  the  Pagan,  through  their  attention  to  education 
and  general  improvement,  although  at  the  same  time  they  are 
characterized  by  greater  pride  and  self-importance.  They  have 
gained  proselytes  chiefly  by  their  attention  to  the  children,  to 
whose  education  they  pay  assiduous  regard,  and  in  this  respect 
have  set  an  example  which  may  safely  be  followed  by  Chris- 
tian missionaries.  The  smaller  nations  immediately  aroimd 
Sierra  Leone  are  the  following,  viz  : 

Tlie  Timmanees,  who  formerly  lived  at  a  distance  from  the 
sea  coast,  but  being  of  an  enterprising  and  warlike  disposition, 
they  forced  their  way  down  the  river  Sierra  Leone  among  the 
Bulloms.  When  this  change  of  residence  took  place  their  tra- 
ditions give  no  information. 

The  Bnlloms  inhabit  the  north  side  of  the  Sierra  Leone  river, 
as  far  as  the  river  Scarcies,  from  the  banks  of  which,  however, 
they  have  been  driven  by  the  Timmanees.  Northward  they 
occupy  chiefly  the  sea  coast  as  far  as  the  river  Kissee. 

The  Susoos,  who  have  also  made  aggressions  on  the  Bulloms, 
extend  from  the  river  Kissee  to  the  river  Munes. 

But  often  we  find  no  certain  boundary  between  two  neigh- 
bouring nations,  for  they  are  often  considerably  advanced  with- 
in each  other's  territories.     They  all  have  languages  peculiar 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  31 

to  themselves,  most  of  which  are  not  merely  dialects  of  the 
same  language,  but  essentially  distinct.  Although  the  extent 
of  the  Gold  Coast  is  not  above  sixty  miles,  yet  within  this  space 
seven  or  eight  different  languages  are  spoken.  For  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  miles  north  of  Sierra  Leone,  the  Susoo  language 
is  spoken.  It  is  also  understood  by  a  great  part  of  the  Foolah 
and  Mandingo  tribes. 

This  language  is  remarkably  simple  and  easy  of  acquisition, 
and  has  been  reduced  to  writing.  Like  the  languages  of  all 
Barbarian  people,  those  of  West  Africa  are  exceedingly  figura- 
tive, and  those  north  of  Sierra  Leone  are  said  to  be  softer  and 
more  harmonious  to  European  ears,  than  those  to  the  south. 
Those  of  the  Timmanees  and  the  Bulloms  are  considered 
agreeable  to  the  ear,  but  the  Susoo  language  excels  them  all  in 
softness,  and  may  be  termed  the  Italian  of  Western  Africa. 
The  jNIandingo,  however,  is  the  fashionable  language  of  this 
region,  although  it  is  more  difficult  of  acquisition,  and  abounds 
with  guttural  sounds.  The  languages  to  the  south  of  Sierra 
Leone  are  generally  harsh,  and,  especially  that  of  the  Kissees,  is 
excessively  disagreeable,  not  merely  on  account  of  its  guttural 
sounds,  but  the  singing  pronunciation  given  to  it.  The  frequent 
visits  of  Europeans  on  the  coast,  and  their  intercourse  with  the 
natives,  has  produced  a  jargon  made  up  of  English,  French, 
Dutch,  Portuguese,  &c. 

The  Coast  of  Guinea  is  divided  into  the  Windward  and  Lee- 
ward Coast.  The  first  extends  from  Senegal,  in  latitude  16° 
north,  to  Cape  Palmas,  in  4°  26'  north.  The  leeward  reaches 
from  Cape  Palmas  to  an  indefinite  distance  to  the  south  and 
east. 

The  latitude  of  Sierra  Leone  is  8°  30'  north,  and  its  longitude 
from  Greenwich  13°  43'  west.  The  name  signifies  mountain 
of  lions,  and  was  given  to  the  place  by  the  Portuguese. 

The  original  name  of  Sierra  Leone  was  Tagrin  or  Mitomba. 
The  river  is  conspicuous  for  its  magnitude,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  in  Africa.  Its  entrance  is  formed  by  two  capes,  or 
projecting  points;  the  one  on  the  north-west  which  terminates 
the  BuUom  shore,  called  Leopard's  Island ;  the  other  on  the 
north-east  extremity  of  Sierra  Leone,  and  is  a  narrow  strip  of 
lowland,  called  Cape  Sierra  Leone.  The  breadth  of  the  river 
here  is  fifteen  miles;  from  this  it  gradually  decreases  in  width, 
until  it  reaches  St.  George's  Bay,  about  six  miles  above  the 


32  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

entrance,  where  it  does  not  exceed  seven  miles,  and  for  twenty 
miles  up,  the  breadth  of  the  river  varies  very  little  from  this. 
There  it  ceases  to  be  navigable  for  large  vessels,  and  is  divided 
into  Port  Logo  and  Rokelle  rivers.  "  The  land  forming  the 
peninsula  of  Sierra  Leone,  when  viewed  from  the  sea,  or  from 
the  Bullom  shore,  appears  like  a  number  of  hills  heaped  on 
each  other,  in  a  very  singular  manner.  On  a  nearer  approach, 
the  face  of  the  country  assumes  a  more  beautiful  aspect.  The 
lower  grounds,  which  are  under  cultivation,  preserve  a  consid- 
erable degree  of  verdure  through  the  whole  year,  which,  con- 
trasting with  the  darker  hues  of  the  distant  hills,  forms  a  spec- 
tacle highly  grateful  to  the  eye." 

"  The  flat  land  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  called  Bul- 
lom, which  signifies  low  land,  is  also  extremely  beautiful,  and 
the  land  finely  shaded  by  lofty,  spreading  trees.  The  soil  also 
is  remarkably  fertile,  and  though  in  some  places  swampy,  is  for 
the  most  part  bordered  by  a  fine  sandy  beach." 

It  is  known  to  all,  that  the  Western  Coast  of  Africa  has 
been  the  scene  of  the  nefarious  slave  trade.  From  time  imme- 
morial slavery  has  existed  in  Africa  among  the  natives,  and  in 
all  cases  where  their  avarice  got  the  better  of  their  cruelty,  the 
conquered  nations,  or  as  many  as  they  could  get  possession  of, 
were  reduced  to  slavery,  and  carried  off  from  their  country. 
But  the  slave  trade,  as  carried  on  by  Europeans,  commenced 
about  the  beginning  of  the  sixteenth  century.  It  has  been  fre- 
quently asserted,  but  by  some  contradicted,  that  this  detestable 
traffic  originated  in  motives  of  humanity;  that  Las  Casas,  the 
distinguished  friend  of  the  aborigines  of  America,  had  recourse 
to  the  expedient  of  importing  African  slaves  into  the  Spanish 
colonies,  to  save  his  beloved  Indians  from  servitude.  We  will 
leave  it  to  the  historians  of  South  America  to  settle  this  point. 
If  the  fact  is  true,  it  is  a  most  glaring  instance  of  the  incon- 
sistency of  a  great  philanthropist,  who  spent  his  life  and  fortune 
in  attempts  to  promote  the  happiness  of  the  natives  of  America. 
There  is  here  no  room  for  one  European  nation  to  cast  reproach 
upon  others;  for  it  appears  that  every  nation  which  had  pos- 
sessions in  America  resorted  to  this  mode  of  supplying  labour- 
ers to  their  colonies.  England,  France,  Spain,  Portugal,  Rus- 
sia, Denmark,  Sweden,  and  Holland,  have  been  engaged  in  it. 
The  government  of  the  United  States,  since  the  Declaration  of 
Independence, has  never  participated  in  the  African  slave  trade: 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  33 

neither  has  any  of  the  States  in  their  separate  capacity,  except 
South  Carolina;  and  by  the  existing  laws  of  the  United  States, 
this  traffic  is  declared  to  be  piracy. 

Before  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  some  of  the 
colonies  were  aggriev^ed  by  the  multitude  of  slaves  imported 
into  the  country,  and  the  House  of  Assembly  of  Virginia,  re- 
monstrated and  petitioned  against  the  growing  evil,  but  in  vain. 
Accordingly,  in  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  this  is  put 
down  among  the  reasons  why  a  separation  from  the  mother 
country  was  justifiable  and  necessary. 

The  English  continued  to  carry  on  the  slave  trade,  without 
restraint,  until  the  year  1805,  when  an  act  of  the  British 
Parliament  interdicted  the  importation  of  slaves  into  certain 
colonies,  except  in  certain  specified  cases.  In  1S07  a  law  was 
enacted,  prohibiting  British  subjects  supplying  foreign  colonies 
with  slaves.  In  ISOS  this  traffic  was  entirely  prohibited,  and  in 
1811  it  was  declared  felony.  And  in  1824,  traffic  in  slaves  was 
made  piracy,  by  the  laws  of  England.  And  in  1S34  an  act 
was  passed  to  abolish  slavery  throughout  the  colonies  of  Great 
Britain ;  and  that  those  who  under  the  sanction  of  law  had 
acquired  this  property  might  have  no  reason  to  complain  of 
injustice,  ^20,000,000  were  appropriated  for  the  remuneration 
of  slaveholders  in  the  West  India  Islands. 

The  atrocities  and  enormities  practised  in  carrying  on  this 
trade  need  not  be  here  described ;  the  feelings  and  imagination 
of  the  Christian  public  have  been  sufficiently  excited  and  har- 
rowed by  the  most  vivid,  and  sometimes  the  most  exaggerated, 
descriptions  of  these  cruelties.  It  has,  for  a  long  time,  been  a 
favourite  theme  of  pathetic  declamation,  by  which  the  people 
have  been  roused  almost  to  fanatic  madness.  While  all  men 
of  sound  moral  sense  must  agree  in  condemning  this  traffic,  the 
cool  and  impartial  will  agree,  that  Divine  Providence  has  over- 
ruled the  slavery  of  the  Africans,  and  their  importation  to 
America,  so  as  to  render  that  which  in  its  origin  was  most  un- 
just and  cruel,  the  occasion  of  unspeakable  good  to  multitudes 
of  the  African  race.  While,  then,  we  abhor  the  iniquity  of  the 
slave  trade,  we  may  piously  rejoice  that  these  degraded  heathen 
were  brought  to  our  shores,  where  they  have  had  the  opportu- 
nity of  knowing  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  only  name  given 
under  heaven  whereby  we  must  be  saved.  Hundreds  and 
thousands  of  native  Africans  and  their  descendants,  have  here 


34  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

embraced  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  found  eternal  life,  for  it  is 
the  glory  of  the  gospel  that  it  brings  redemption  and  salvation 
as  freely  to  the  slave  in  his  chains  as  to  the  king  on  his  throne ; 
yea,  it  is  the  very  genius  of  the  gospel  to  bring  glad  tidings  to 
the  poor  and  distressed,  and  deliverance  to  the  captives. 

Bat  the  providence  of  God,  in  that  remarkable  dispensation, 
by  which  several  millions  of  the  descendants  of  Africa  are 
found  in  America,  is  but  partially  developed,  as  yet.  The  signs 
of  the  times  at  present  indicate  that  there  is  something  still  more 
important  hidden  in  the  counsels  of  Heaven,  in  regard  to  this 
people,  than  any  thing  which  has  yet  been  developed.  It  may 
confidently  be  hoped,  that  the  sons  of  Africa,  now  resident  in 
America,  will  be  the  honoured  instruments  of  spreading  the 
light  of  the  gospel  through  the  benighted  nations  of  a  whole 
continent.  There  is  something  truly  animating  and  sublime  in 
the  idea,  that  the  descendants  of  those  brought  here  in  fetters 
and  manacles  shall,  not  only  as  freemen,  but  as  Christians,  carry 
back  to  their  father-land  the  Bible,  and  the  various  arts  and 
institutions  of  the  civilized  world.  The  dawn  of  a  glorious 
day  for  Africa  has  already  appeared.  Several  colonies  have 
already  been  auspiciously  commenced  on  her  shores;  and  the 
very  ground  which  has  for  ages  been  the  scene  of  her  degrada- 
tion and  wrongs,  is  now  become  the  site  of  flourishing  Christian 
colonies,  which,  by  their  religion,  their  morality,  their  laws, 
their  order,  their  agriculture,  their  trade,  and  their  schools,  are 
attracting  the  attention  of  all  the  surrounding  nations,  and 
already  producing  an  effect  beyond  the  expectations  of  the 
most  sanguine.  And  at  this  time  the  colonies  oppose  a  more 
effectual  barrier  to  the  slave  trade,  than  all  the  laws  and  navies 
of  Great  Britain  and  America.  Indeed,  if  these  colonies  prosper 
as  they  have  done,  and  others  which  are  in  contemplation 
should  be  formed,  the  disgraceful  traffic  will  be  excluded  from 
all  that  part  of  Western  Africa  which  lies  north  of  the  equator. 
No  event  which  has  occurred  in  the  present  generation,  seems 
likely  to  be  attended  with  more  momentous  and  beneficial 
effects,  than  the  planting  of  these  colonies  on  the  very  verge  of 
the  kingdom  of  darkness ;  and  seldom  in  any  period  of  the 
world,  have  colonies  been  begun  under  more  auspicious  cir- 
cumstances. Almost  the  only  drawback  to  uniform  prosperity 
has  arisen  from  the  deleterious  character  of  the  climate ;  but  it 
possesses  this  character  solely  in  relation  to  the  white  man.  No 


HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  35 

people  appear  to  enjoy  more  health  than  the  natives  ;  and  the 
coloured  people  who  have  gone  from  this  country,  after  a  short 
season  of  acclimation,  attended  with  some  danger,  appear  to  be 
as  free  from  disease  as  when  they  resided  in  the  United  States. 

It  has  added  unspeakably  to  the  success  and  good  influence  of 
these  infant  colonies,  that  from  the  commencement,  they  have 
been  associated  with  missionary  eftbrts.  Thus  far  the  mission- 
ary stations  have  been  necessarily  within  the  colonies;*  and  the 
presence  of  such  devoted,  pious  men,  has  had  a  benign  influ- 
ence on  the  emigrants.  The  prejudice  which  has  been  indus- 
triously excited  among  the  coloured  people  of  this  country, 
against  African  colonization,  though  widely  spread,  has  thus 
far  been  overruled  for  good.  The  greatest  danger  to  be  appre- 
hended in  this  whole  business,  is  that  the  colonists  might  be 
disposed  to  assume  the  reins  of  self-government,  before  they 
are  properly  prepared  for  it.  If  the  colonization  scheme  had 
been  popular  among  the  free  people  of  colour,  the  colonies 
would  have  filled  up  too  rapidly,  and  there  could  not  have  been 
so  good  a  selection  of  emigrants,  as  it  has  been  in  the  power  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society  to  make.  The  colonies  in 
the  meantime  are  growing  in  stability,  and  acquiring,  every 
day,  more  and  more  that  experience  in  self-government,  which 
is  so  important  to  their  prosperity;  and  as  the  accession  to  their 
numbers  is  not  great,  at  any  one  time,  the  new  emigrants  natu- 
rally fall  into  the  spirit  of  the  Society,  and  under  the  regular 
operation  of  the  laws  established :  so  that  they  can  be  incorpo- 
rated into  the  body  politic  without  any  inconvenience,  just  as 
the  materials  for  the  growth  of  the  natural  body  are  without 
pain  or  commotion,  assimilated  to  the  parts  before  existing. 
Even  the  recaptured  pagan  slaves  have,  under  these  favourable 
circumstances,  made  progress  in  improvement  which  has  as- 
tonished all  who  witnessed  it.  The  growth  of  the  colonies  has 
been  less  rapid,  than  if  multitudes  had  desired  to  avail  them- 
selves of  the  advantages  of  the  plan:  but  this  very  slowness 
of  growth  has  been  for  its  health,  and  perhaps  for  its  salva- 
tion. 

The  virulent  opposition  of  the  abolitionists,  so  unreasonable 
and  unexpected,  has  also  been  overruled  for  the  benefit  of  the 

*  Since  the  above  was  written,  mission  stations  have  been  established  both  by 
the  Methodist  and  Baptist  societies  without  the  limits  of  Liberia. 


36  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

colonization  scheme.  When  it  was  first  proposed  to  plant  a 
colony  of  free  coloured  people  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  with 
their  own  consent,  no  one  seemed  to  dream  of  any  objection, 
unless  it  should  come  from  a  certain  class  of  slave-holders;  and 
for  years  no  opposition  was  made,  and  the  cause  languished. 
Legislatures  and  ecclesiastical  synods  and  conventions,  passed 
resolutions  approbatory  of  the  scheme ;  and  there  it  rested. 
The  public  mind  was  not  sufficiently  excited  to  take  much  in- 
terest in  tlie  Society ;  and  its  important  bearings  were  unheed- 
ed. The  violent  action  of  the  abolitionists,  roused  the  public 
attention;  led  to  a  careful  examination  of  the  principles  of  the 
Society,  and  the  important  prospects  which  were  open  before 
it :  and  although  the  opposition  swept  off  many  of  the  former 
friends  of  colonization,  yet  the  cause  never  prospered  so  much 
as  since  it  was  attacked  and  calumniated  as  the  compound  of 
almost  all  evil.  None  but  a  mind  distorted  by  fanaticism  could 
ever  have  discovered  any  point  of  collision  between  an  aboli- 
tion and  colonization  society.  In  fact  they  aimed  at  entirely 
different  objects:  the  one  seeking  a  more  favourable  situation 
for  as  many  of  the  free  people  of  colour  as  might  be  disposed 
to  leave  this  country,  with  the  hope  of  bettering  their  circum- 
stances. With  slavery,  as  a  society,  they  had  nothing  to  do: 
whereas  the  abolitionists  aimed  simply  at  the  removal  of 
slavery,  and  of  course  free  people  of  any  colour,  were  not  the 
objects  of  their  efforts.  But  though  this  is  the  theory,  yet  in 
fact,  no  two  societies  have  ever  existed,  in  a  more  hostile  atti- 
tude to  each  other;  and  even  slavery  itself  does  not  appear  to 
call  forth  more  indignant  hatred,  than  the  inoffensive,  simple 
plan  of  finding  a  home  in  Africa,  for  a  certain  number  of  free 
people  of  colour,  who  did  not  feel  themselves  comfortably  situa- 
ted in  this  country.  But  as  the  opposition  has  made  new  friends 
for  the  Colonization  Society;  so  it  has  increased  the  zeal  and 
activity  of  its  old  friends,  many  degrees.  The  prospects  of  ulti- 
mate and  great  success,  have  never  been  so  flattering  as  at 
present.  The  plan  of  planting  separate  colonies  by  State  socie- 
ties promises  much  good :  the  evil  apprehended  from  a  want  of 
capacity  for  self-government,  will  by  this  means  be  greatly 
diminished  ;  and  no  doubt,  in  due  time,  all  danger  of  collision 
between  these  separate  colonies  will  be  prevented  by  a  wise 
system  of  confederation,  which  has  already  been  proposed  by 
the  mother  society;  but  for  which  the  infant  colonies  are  not 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  3 1 

yet  ripe.*  It.  will  be  good  policy  to  maintain  the  connexion  of 
the  respective  colonies  with  the  societies  in  this  country,  which 
planted  them,  as  long  as  it  can  possibly  be  done.  The  moment 
when  this  connexion  is  severed  will  be  critical  in  the  history  of 
Liberia. 

It  is  a  matter  of  surprise,  as  well  as  regret,  that  the  minds  of 
British  Christians  have  been  so  much  prejudiced  against  the 
colonization  scheme,  as  conducted  in  America.  This  was  the 
less  to  be  expected,  as  they  have  on  this  very  coast,  a  flourish- 
ing colony,  the  situation  of  which  we  have  had  under  review, 
and  the  history  of  which  we  propose  immediately  to  give.t 

It  must  doubtless  be  attributed,  in  a  great  measure,  to  the 
extraordinary  excitement  produced  in  the  nation  previously  to 
the  passing  the  act  of  abolition,  by  which  all  their  slaves  were 
liberated.  Wlien  this  fever  shall  subside,  they  will  return 
again  to  the  habit  of  sober  reflection,  and  be  capable  of  exam- 
ining the  principles  of  American  colonization,  exempt  from 
prejudice. 

The  writer  in  the  JNIissionary  Records,  published  in 
London  by  the  Religious  Tract  Society,  from  whom  I  have 
borrowed  the  description  of  Sierra  Leone,  and  the  short  account 
of  the  native  tribes,  concludes  his  views  of  the  slave  trade 
with  the  following  just  reflections: 

"  The  slave  trade,  which,  like  the  Upas,  blasts  all  ttrat  is 
wholesome  in  its  vicinity,  has,  however,  in  one  important  in- 
stance, been  overruled  for  good  in  Africa.  It  has  been  made 
the  means  of  assembling  on  one  spot,  and  that  on  a  Christian 
soil,  individuals  from  almost  every  nation  on  the  western  coast 
of  Africa.  It  has  been  made  the  means  of  introducing  to 
civilization  and  religion,  many  hundreds  from  the  interior  of 
that  vast  continent,  who  had  never  seen  the  face  of  a  white 
man,  nor  ever  heard  the  name  of  Jesus.  And  it  will  be  made 
the  means  of  sending  to  nations  beyond  the  Niger  and  the  Zaire, 

*  Such  a  plan  was  adopted  in  1833,  and  Mr.  Buchanan  went  out  as  the  gover- 
nor of  all  the  colonies  planted  by  Americans,  except  Cape  Palmas,  which  is  pecu- 
liarly situated,  and  being  connected  with  the  state  of  Maryland,  cannot  adopt  the 
same  system  which  may  be  convenient  to  the  other  colonies. 

+  Mr.  Buxton,  the  leading  man  in  promoting  the  abolition  of  slavery  in  the 
colonies  of  Great  Britain,  has  recently  published  a  book,  in  which  he  declares  that 
all  that  has  been  done  by  the  British  government  to  abolish  the  slave  trade  has 
eventually  tended  to  its  increase,  and  that  the  object  can  never  be  effected  but  by 
establishing  trading  houses  all  along  the  coast. 
4 


38  ■  HISTORY    OF  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

native  missionaries,  who  will  preach  the  Redeemer  in  the  utter- 
most parts  of  the  country,  and  cause  their  countrymen  to  hear, 
in  their  own  tongue,  the  wonderful  works  of  God.  European 
avarice,  and  native  profligacy,  leave  no  part  of  Africa  unex- 
plored for  victims,  and  these  slaves  rescued  by  our  cruisers,  and 
landed  on  the  shores  of  our  colonies,  are  received  by  our  mis- 
sionaries, and  placed  in  their  schools.  Not  only  by  this  means 
is  positive  good  effected,  but  valuable  information  as  to  the 
country  is  procured,  the  various  native  languages  may  be  com- 
pared and  analysed,  and  under  the  divine  blessing,  the  ferocious 
or  despairing  captive  may  become  the  active  and  zealous  mis- 
sionary. 

"  If  these  circumstances  display  the  marvellous  wisdo7n  of 
God,  whose  ways  are  shown  to  be  as  far  above  our  ways  as 
the  heavens  are  above  the  earth,  there  is  also  another  circum- 
stance connected  with  the  slave  trade  which  displays  the  truth 
of  God,  in  the  strict  fulfilment  of  a  prophecy,  which  was  deli- 
vered as  early  as  the  time  of  Noah.  In  Gen.  ix.  24,  25,  we 
read,  '  And  Noah  awoke  from  his  wine,  and  knew  what  his 
younger  son  had  done  unto  him.  And  he  said,  Cursed  be  Ca- 
naan ;  A  SERVANT  OF  SERVANTS  shall  he  be  unto  his  brethren.' 
The  following  reflections  are  extracted  from  Bishop  Newton  on 
this  passage : 

"The  curse  particularly  implies  servitude  and  subjection. 
^Cursed  be  Canaan,  a  servant  of  servants  shall  he  be  unto  his 
brethren.'  It  is  very  well  known  that  the  word  '  brethren'  in 
Hebrew  comprehends  more  distant  relations.  The  descendants 
of  Canaan,  therefore,  were  to  be  subject  to  the  descendants  of 
Shem  and  Japhet.  The  same  thing  is  repeated  again  and 
again  in  the  following  verse, '  and  Canaan  shall  be  a  servant 
unto  them,'  or  their  servant ;  so  this  is  as  it  were  the  burden  of 
the  prophecy. 

"It  was  several  centuries  after  this  prophecy,  when  the  Israel- 
ites, who  were  the  descendants  of  Shem,  under  the  command 
of  Joshua,  invaded  the  Canaanites,  smote  above  thirty  of  their 
kings,  took  possession  of  their  land,  made  the  Gibeonites  and 
others  servants ;  and  Solomon,  afterwards,  slew  the  rest.  The 
Greeks  and  Romans  too,  who  were  descended  from  Japheth, 
not  only  subdued  Syria  and  Palestine,  but  pursued  and  con- 
quered such  of  the  Canaanites  as  were  any  where  remaining; 
as,  for  instance,  the  Syrians  and  Carthaginians,  the  former  of 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATIOX.  39 

whom  were  ruined  by  Alexander  and  the  Grecians,  and  the 
latter  by  Scipio  and  the  Romans.  "  This  fate,"  says  Mr.  Mede, 
''  was  it  which  made  Hannibal,  a  child  of  Canaan,  cry  out  with 
the  amazement  of  his  soul,  "  I  acknowledge  the  fortune  of 
Carthage."  And  ever  since,  the  miserable  remainder  of  this 
people  have  been  slaves  to  a  foreign  yoke;  first  to  the  Sara- 
cens, who  descended  from  Shem,  and  afterwards  to  the  Turks 
who  descended  from  Japheth,  and  they  grieve  under  this  do- 
minion until  this  day.  The  whole  continent  of  Africa  was 
peopled  principally  by  the  children  of  Ham  ;  and  for  how  many 
ages  have  the  better  parts  of  the  country  lain  under  the  domi- 
nion of  the  Romans,  then  of  the  Saracens,  and  now  of  the 
Turks !  In  what  wickedness,  barbarity,  ignorance,  slavery, 
and  misery  live  most  of  the  inhabitants !  And  of  the  poor 
negroes,  how  many  hundreds  every  year  are  sold  and  bought, 
like  beasts,  in  the  market,  and  are  conveyed  from  one  quarter 
of  the  globe,  to  do  the  work  of  beasts  in  another  !" 


CHAPTER   II. 

ORIGIN  OF  THE  COLONY  AT  SIERRA  LEONE. 

In  1787  a  number  of  gentlemen  subscribed  a  few  thousand 
pounds  as  a  fund  for  assisting  some  destitute  blacks,  then  in 
London,  to  settle  at  Sierra  Leone.  These  were  among  the 
slaves  who  had  taken  refuge  in  the  British  army,  during  the 
war  of  the  American  revolution ;  and  who  on  the  return  of  the 
troops  accompanied  them  to  England,  The  question  may  very 
naturally  arise,  why  were  they  not  encouraged  to  remain  in 
London,  or  to  seek  a  settlement  in  some  other  part  of  the 
country?  This  question  is  pecuharly  pertinent  at  this  time, 
when  the  British  public,  or  a  large  portion  of  them,  can  see  no 
good  reason  for  the  existence  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society ;  and  cannot  understand  why  the  free  people  of  colour 
cannot  be  permitted  peaceably  to  remain  where  they  are. 
The  fact,  that  when  only  a  few  hundred  of  these  people  were 
carried  to  London,  under  a  strong  pledge  that  they  should  be 


40  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

provided  for,  they  fell  into  such  a  miserable  condition  that  men 
of  a  benevolent  character  felt  themselves  imperiously  called 
upon  to  contrive  a  plan  for. colonizing  them  in  Africa,  is  a  suffi- 
cient answer  to  all  objections  to  African  colonization.  The 
English  set  us  the  example  of  seeking  a  residence  for  the  de- 
scendants of  Africa  on  the  coast  of  that  land  from  which  their 
forefathers  were  forcibly  and  wickedly  carried  away.  This 
colony  had  been  fondly  cherished  by  British  Christians,  and 
fostered  and  protected  by  the  government ;  and  when  Americans, 
influenced  by  the  same  motives,  have  engaged  in  colonizing  the 
same  kind  of  people,  on  the  same  coast,  why  is  the  enterprise 
viewed  with  suspicion,  or  calumniated  as  the  fruit  of  unworthy 
motives,  as  it  is  in  most  of  the  religious  periodicals  of  Great 
Britain  ? 

But  to  return:  the  gentlemen  alluded  to  procured  from  the 
native  chiefs,  a  cession  of  a  considerable  district  of  land  for  the 
settlement  of  their  little  colony.  The  British  government  very 
liberally  seconded  their  views  by  taking  upon  itself  the  expense 
of  transporting  the  blacks  thither,  and  of  supplying  them  with 
necessaries  diiring  the  first  six  oreightmonthsof  their  residence 
in  Africa.  During  the  passage  of  these  unfortunate  people  to 
Sierra  Leone  they  experienced  some  share  of  the  same  evils 
which  have  been  so  often  pathetically  described  as  taking  place 
on  board  the  slave  ships,  by  being  crowded  into  too  narrow  a 
space  ;  for  out  of  four  hundred  and  sixty  who  embarked,  eighty- 
four  died  on  ship  board  ;  and  when  they  were  landed  in  Africa 
their  troubles  were  not  ended ;  for  before  the  close  of  the  first 
rainy  season,  a  hundred  more  of  the  infant  colony  fell  victims 
to  the  climate  or  to  intemperance.  And  in  the  year  1790,  in 
consequence  of  being  involved  in  a  dispute  between  the  natives 
and  the  crew  of  a  British  vessel,  without  any  fault  of  their 
own,  they  were  driven  from  the  habitations  which  they  had 
erected.  The  British  vessel,  by  the  imprudent  conduct  of  the 
crew  of  which  they  had  thus  innocently  suffered,  had  set  fire  to 
a  town  of  a  neighbouring  chief.  In  1791,  they  were  again  col- 
lected, through  the  agency  of  the  agent  of  the  Sierra  Leone 
Company;  and  they  now  fixed  themselves  in  Granville,  two  or 
three  miles  distant  from  Freetown,  where  they  first  settled. 

Some  of  the  most  distinguished  philanthropists  of  the  age  were 
among  the  projectors  of  this  colonization  scheme,  and  became 
directors  of  the  company.    It  will  be  sufficient  barely  to  mention 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATIOK.'  41 

the  names  of  such  men  as  Granville  Sharp,  William  Wilberforce, 
Henry  Thornton,  Joseph  Hardcastle,  and  Thomas  Clarkson. 
The  motives  by  which  these  men  were  actuated,  are  above  sus- 
picion, and  of  the  most  benevolent  kind ;  and  we  unhesitatingly 
ascribe  motives  of  the  same  kind  to  the  founders  of  the  Ameri- 
can Colonization  Society.  In  neither  case  was  there  any  room 
for  any  sinister  motives  to  operate ;  and  we  have  reason  to 
think,  that  the  suggestion  was  from  heaven,  and  that  this  enter- 
prise will  to  posterity  appear  to  have  been  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant, as  well  as  the  most  benevolent,  conceived  in  the  present 
age.  The  pure  and  elevated  motives  which  led  these  excellent 
men  to  engage  in  this  scheme,  stamp  an  importance  upon  it, 
which  would  by  no  means  belong  to  it,  if  it  had  originated  in 
the  usual  motives  which  lead  to  such  transactions. 

The  company  was  incorporated,  and  a  considerable  capital 
appeared  likely  to  be  raised  for  carrying  on  the  undertaking. 
Another  company  of  negroes,  who  escaped  from  slavery 
during  the  American  war,  were  conveyed  by  the  British  fleet 
to  Nova  Scotia.  These,  finding  the  severe  climate  of  this 
northern  province  uncongenial  to  their  constitutions,  and  having 
heard  of  the  colony  at  Sierra  Leone,  despatched  a  delegate  to 
England  to  request  that  they  might  also  be  transported  to  Africa. 
Besides  the  severity  of  the  climate,  they  complained  of  the 
sterility  of  the  soil ;  and,  especially,  that  the  allotments  of  land 
promised  to  them,  when  they  emigrated  to  Nova  Scotia,  had 
not  generally  been  received.  Their  petition  was  received 
favourably  by  the  directors  of  the  Sierra  Leone  Company,  who 
joined  widi  the  delegate  in  an  application  to  government  to 
give  them  a  free  passage  to  Africa,  which  was  readily  granted. 
To  superintend  and  expedite  the  emigration  of  these  people  of 
colour.  Lieutenant  Clarkson  handsomely  made  a  tender  of  his 
services  to  go  to  Nova  Scotia  and  attend  to  the  business.  The 
agreement  of  the  company  was  to  receive  all  free  blacks  from 
Nova  Scotia,  who  could  produce  testimonials  of  good  character, 
more  particularly  as  to  honesty,  sobriety,  and  industry,  and  to 
grant  to  each  family  a  lot  of  land,  in  proportion  to  their  num- 
bers. The  company  had  been  led  to  believe  that  only  a  few 
hundred  persons  would  be  the  number  of  those  who  wished  to 
emigrate,  but  to  their  surprise  they  proved  to  be  no  less  than 
eleven  hundred  and  ninety-six.  This  large  and  unexpected 
accession  materially  aff'ected  the  whole  undertaking,  and  in- 


42  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

tlnced  the  company  immediately  to  take  measures  to  increase 
their  capital  stock,  which  was  now  raised  to  two  hundred  and 
thirty-five  thousand,  two  hundred  and  eighty  pounds  sterling. 
They  also  sent  out  immediately  two  vessels,  with  needful  sup- 
plies for  the  colony,  and  a  hundred  white  emigrants,  part  of 
whom  were  artisans,  and  part  agriculturists.  Soon  after  the 
arrival  of  these  vessels  from  England,  sixteen  vessels  came  from 
Nova  Scotia,  bringing  elven  hundred  and  thirty-one  blacks, 
many  of  them  labouring  under  the  effects  of  a  fever,  contracted 
in  Halifax,  of  which  sixty-five  had  died  on  the  passage. 

These  colonists  were  located  on  the  ground  at  first  occupied 
by  the  former  emigrants,  and  by  special  direction,  the  place  was 
named  Freetown.  Here,  huts  were  erected  after  the  fashion 
of  the  country,  with  as  much  expedition  as  possible,  that  they 
might  be  comfortably  sheltered  before  the  commencement  of 
the  rainy  season.  The  directors  at  home,  apprehending  the 
danger  of  a  want  of  suitable  shelter  during  this  season,  had 
caused  a  large  merchant  vessel  to  be  fitted  up  for  their  accommo- 
dation, which  was  sent  out  loaded  with  various  stores,  as  well 
as  frames  of  houses,  and  materials  for  building :  but  being 
driven  back  by  a  storm,  she  did  not  arrive  in  time  to  be  of  any 
service,  during  the  first  sickly  season;  though  afterwards  she 
was  made  a  good  use  of,  both  as  a  storehouse,  and  floating 
factory. 

The  sickness  notwithstanding  all  the  precautions  used,  was 
extensive ;  it  being  supposed  that  eight  hundred  of  the  emi- 
grants were  down  at  one  time  ;  but  the  fever  of  the  coast  with 
which  they  were  affected,  proved  much  more  fatal  to  the  Euro- 
peans, than  to  the  black  emigrants;  and  what  increased  the  dis- 
tress, the  medical  attendants,  with  but  one  exception,  were  laid 
lip  with  the  disease.  During  the  season,  about  one-half  the  white 
inhabitants  on  shore,  and  about  one-tenth  of  the  Nova  Scotia 
emigrants  died.  Of  twenty-six  upper  servants  of  the  companj^, 
four,  and  of  fifty-nine  lower  servants,  twenty-nine  died.  Of 
the  eighteen  settlers,  thirteen,  and  of  the  sixteen  soldiers, 
eleven  died. 

In  the  dry  season  which  followed,  the  lots  for  the  Nova 
Scotians  were  surveyed ;  each  of  them  had  four  acres  assigned 
him;  though  twenty  had  been  originally  promised;  but  the 
land  adjacent  to  the  settlement  turned  out  to  be  not  as  good  as 
it  had  been  represented.     Several  public  buildings  were  now 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN  COLONIZATION.  43 

erected,  as  a  church,  a  hospital,  a  warehouse,  and  other  build- 
ings, of  which  the  frame  work  was  brought  from  England, 
and  some  measures  were  taken  for  the  defence  of  the  colony. 

The  next  year  the  condition  of  the  colony  was  evidently  in 
an  improving  state  ;  some  new  arrangements  were  made  in  the 
police;  and  some  gentlemen  of  experience  were  sent  out  to  aid 
in  the  government;  and  the  natives  uniformly  appeared  friend- 
ly, and  seemed  to  view  the  increase  of  the  colony,  with  plea- 
sure. But  this  prosperity  was  of  short  duration.  The  break- 
ing out  of  the  war  in  Europe  damped  the  hopes,  and  interrupt- 
ed the  progress  of  the  rising  colony.  The  destruction  of  their 
store-ship  by  fire,  with  a  considerable  quantity  of  goods,  was  a 
heavy  disaster.  The  whole  loss  sustained  was  estimated  at 
fifteen  thousand  pounds  sterling,  and  no  insurance  had  been 
effected  on  vessel  or  goods. 

The  season,  this  year,  when  compared  with  the  sickly  season 
of  the  last,  was  marked  with  very  little  increase  of  disease;  and 
contrary  to  what  was  then  the  fact,  those  on  land  were  less 
subject  to  the  fever  than  those  on  ship  board.  The  expenses  of 
tiie  colony  very  far  exceeded  every  calculation  which  had  been 
made.  With  the  loss  incurred  by  the  conflagration  of  the  store- 
ship,  it  was  found,  that  no  less  than  eighty-two  thousand  pounds 
sterling  had  already  been  expended  on  the  colony.  The  feel- 
ings of  the  directors,  however,  appear  to  have  been  of  the  right 
kind.  They  piously  remark,  "  That  they  must  leave  the  event 
of  success,  after  all  their  endeavours,  to  the  disposal  of  Him 
who  can  disappoint  utterly  if  he  pleases,  the  most  favourite 
schemes  of  men ;  can  obstruct  and  suspend  for  a  while  their 
accomplishment,  or  can  crown  them  if  he  sees  fit,  with  the  most 
signal  and  unexpected  success."  A  scheme  of  pure  philan- 
thropy, undertaken  by  men  actuated  by  such  sentiments,  can 
hardly  fail  of  ultimate  success,  however  many  trials  and  disap- 
pointments, may  for  a  while,  put  their  faith  to  a  severe  test. 

On  the  27th  of  September  1794,  a  French  squadron  made  its 
appearance  on  the  coast ;  and  began  to  fire  on  the  town.  All 
resistance  being  vain  against  such  a  force,  the  colony  was  im- 
mediately surrendered  into  their  hands.  The  conduct  of  the 
French  Commodore  and  his  men  was  ferocious,  and  even  cruel, 
to  this  helpless,  infant  colony.  They  not  only  seized  the  goods 
of  the  company  and  of  English  residents,  but  robbed  the  houses 
of  the  poor  blacks  of  whatever  they  could  carry  away;  and 


44  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION. 

then  set  the  town  on  fire.  Even  the  church  was  pillaged,  and 
the  medicine  store  destroyed;  which  last  proved  the  severest 
loss  of  all.  After  the  first  conflagration,  a  second  was  ordered, 
in  which  the  church  and  all  the  remaining  houses  were  con- 
sumed. And  most  unfortunately,  while  the  French  had  pos- 
session of  the  colony,  the  company's  largest  ship,  the  Harpy, 
came  in  sight,  having  on  board  several  passengers,  and  goods 
to  the  amount  of  ^10,000.  Observing  the  demolition  of  the 
company's  houses,  she  put  back  to  sea,  but  was  discovered 
and  pursued  by  the  French;  and  when  captured,  all  the  goods 
were  seized,  and  even  the  property  of  the  English  passengers 
was  also  taken.  None  of  these  articles  were  landed,  but  im- 
mediately carried  away.  What  rendered  this  calamity  doubly 
severe  was  the  fact,  that  in  this  vessel  the  company  had  sent 
out  a  plant  hatch,  containing  many  valuable  articles  received 
from  the  king's  collection  at  Kew,  which  it  was  supposed 
would  be  likely  to  grow  and  flourish  in  this  climate.  Two 
other  vessels  of  the  company,  employed  in  the  coasting  trade, 
were  also  taken.  All  the  native  chiefs  appeared  to  be  afflicted 
on  account  of  the  overwhelming  calamity  which  had  befallen 
the  colony,  except  the  slave  dealers.  These,  from  the  beginning 
viewed  the  rising  colony  with  an  invidious  eye,  and  as  they 
cherished  hostile  feelings  towards  it,  so  they  rejoiced  in  its  de- 
struction. 

About  three  weeks  after  the  French  squadron  had  left  the 
colony,  sickness  broke  out  among  the  white  inhabitants,  in- 
duced by  fatigue  and  want  of  wholesome  food ;  and  now  the 
destruction  of  their  whole  store  of  medicines  was  severely  felt. 
The  French  had  put  on  shore  one  hundred  and  twenty  cap- 
tured sailors,  of  whom  eighty  now  died. 

The  loss  of  the  company  by  this  liostile  visit  was  estimated 
at  ^40,000,  exclusive  of  the  buildings  burned,  which  had  cost 
£15,000.  The  only  good  result  of  the  arrival  of  the  French 
squadron  on  the  African  coast  was,  the  robbing  and  breaking 
up  of  many  of  the  English  slave  factories.  The  amount  of 
property  destroyed  or  carried  away  by  them,  on  the  whole 
coast,  was  about  £400,000. 

The  many  disasters  of  the  colony  were  repaired  by  the  active 
exertions  which  the  company  continued  to  make.  The  settle- 
ment resumed  its  prosperity;  extended  its  survey  over  the 
neighbouring  coast,  and  received  embassies  even  from  remote 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  45 

African  states.  For  several  years  nothing  remarkable  occurred 
in  the  exterior  or  political  relations  of  the  colony;  and  as  for 
the  missionary  operations  prosecuted  here,  a  particular  account 
shall  be  given  in  another  place. 

In  the  year  1800,  a  new  accession  was  made  to  the  colony 
by  the  Maroons,  from  Jamaica.  The  arrival  of  these  emigrants 
was  very  opportune,  for  at  that  time  the  Nova  Scotia  blacks 
were  in  a  state  of  insurrection,  which  these  West  Indians  aided 
much  in  putting  down. 

Shortly  after  this,  a  body  of  Timmanees  headed  by  two  of 
the  fugitive  blacks,  made  an  attack  upon  the  fort,  but  were  re- 
pulsed with  loss.  The  Nova  Scotia  blacks  were  so  turbulent, 
that  it  became  necessary  to  establish  a  more  coercive  govern- 
ment over  them,  and  even  to  bring  a  small  military  force  from 
Goree,  to  keep  them  in  order. 

The  British  parliament  allowed  the  company  £7000  for 
erecting  a  fort,  with  a  promise  of  £8000  more  for  the  same 
object,  and  £10,000  for  the  expenses  of  settling  the  blacks  from 
Nova  Scotia,  and  £4000  for  the  expenses  of  the  civil  govern- 
ment of  the  colony.  And  in  1802,  the  parliament  again  voted 
£10,000  for  the  expenses  of  the  settlement:  and  in  1803  it  was 
suggested  to  the  company  by  the  ministry,  that  it  would  be  for 
the  benefit  of  the  colony  to  transfer  the  civil  and  military 
power  from  the  company  to  the  government.  The  cession  was 
accordingly  made,  and  the  colony  is  now  under  the  authority  of 
a  governor  who  resides  at  Sierra  Leone,  appointed  by,  and 
amenable  to  the  British  government.  Upon  giving  up  the 
colony,  the  directors  of  the  company  published  a  statement, 
which  demonstrated  the  success  of  the  company,  in  the  attain- 
ment of  its  most  important  objects;  and  was  calculated  to  con- 
vince every  proprietor  that  his  money  had  been  expended  to  a 
noble  purpose.  The  following  is  the  substance  of  the  above 
mentioned  statement. 

"  However  great  may  have  been  the  company's  loss  in  a 
pecuniary  view,  the  directors  are  unwilling  to  admit,  that  there 
has  been  a  total  failure  in  their  main  object,  or  that  their  capi- 
tal has  been  expended  without  effect.  It  must  afford  satisfac- 
tion to  reflect,  that  the  company  should  both  have  conceived 
and  attempted  to  execute  those  plans  of  beneficence  which  led 
to  the  institution  of  the  colony;  and  that  they  should  have  con- 


46  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

tinned  to  pursue  them  for  so  many  years,  in  the  face  of  opposi- 
tion, disappointment,  and  loss;  in  spite  of  severe  calamities, 
arising  from  European  as  well  as  African  wars,  and  much  tur- 
bulence on  the  part  of  the  colonists.  The  proprietors  have  the 
further  satisfaction  of  knowing,  that  the  company  have  con- 
tributed to  the  abolition  of  the  slave  trade,  by  exposing  its  real 
nature  before  the  view  of  a  hesitating  legislature,  and  detecting 
the  artifices  and  misrepresentations  by  which  the  persons  en- 
gaged in  it  laboured  to  delude  the  public. 

''  The  company  have  communicated  the  benefits  flowing 
from  a  knowledge  of  letters,  and  from  Christian  instruction,  to 
hundreds  of  negroes  on  the  coast  of  Africa  ;  and,  by  a  careful 
education  in  this  country,  they  have  elevated  the  character  of 
several  of  the  children  of  African  chiefs,  and  directed  their 
minds  to  objects  of  the  very  first  importance  to  their  country- 
men. They  have  ascertained  that  the  cultivation  of  every 
valuable  article  of  tropical  export  may  be  carried  on  in  Africa; 
that  Africans  in  a  state  of  freedom  are  susceptible  of  the  same 
motives  to  industry  and  laborious  exertion  which  influence  the 
natives  of  Europe ;  and  that  some  African  chiefs  are  sufficiently 
enlightened  to  comprehend,  and  sufficiently  patriotic  to  en- 
courage schemes  of  improvement.  They  have  demonstrated 
that  negroes  may  be  governed  by  the  same  mild  laws,  which 
are  found  consistent  with  the  maintenance  of  rational  liberty 
even  in  this  kingdom ;  and  that  they  may  be  safely  and  advan- 
tageously entrusted  with  the  administration  of  those  laws,  not 
only  as  jurors,  but  even  as  judicial  assessors.  They  have  in 
some  measure  retrieved  the  credit  of  the  British,  it  may  be  add- 
ed, of  the  Christian  name,  on  the  continent  of  Africa ;  and  have 
convinced  its  inhabitants,  that  there  are  Englishmen  who  are 
actuated  by  very  different  motives  from  those  of  self-interest, 
and  who  desire  nothing  so  much  as  their  improvement  and 
happiness.  To  conclude,  they  have  established  in  a  central  part 
of  Africa,  a  colony,  which  appears  to  be  now  provided  with 
adequate  means  both  of  defence  and  subsistence  ;  which  by  the 
blessing  of  Providence,  may  become  an  emporium  of  commerce, 
a  school  of  industry,  and  a  source  of  knowledge,  civilization, 
and  religious  improvement  to  the  inhabitants  of  that  continent; 
and  which  may  hereafter  repay  to  Great  Britain,  the  benefits 
she  shall   have   communicated,  by  opening  a  continually  in- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  47 

creasing  market  for  those  manufactures,  which  are  now  no 
longer  secure  of  their  accustomed  vent  on  the  continent  of 
Europe." 

The  settlement  of  a  colony  on  the  continent  of  Africa  attract- 
ed the  attention  of  some  of  the  people  of  colour  in  the  United 
States.  At  that  time  there  sailed  from  the  ports  of  Massachu- 
setts a  very  remarkable  man  of  colour,  by  the  name  of  Paul 
Cuffee.  This  man  was  born  at  New  Bedford,  Massachusetts, 
in  1759,  of  an  American  father  and  an  aboriginal  mother.  His 
early  years  were  spent  in  poverty  and  obscurity,  but  possess- 
ing a  vigorous  mind,  by  industry  and  perseverance,  guided  by 
practical  good  sense,  he  rose  to  wealth  and  respectability. 
He  was  largely  engaged  in  navigation,  and  in  many  voyages  to 
foreign  countries  commanded  his  own  vessel.  His  desire  to 
raise  his  coloured  brethren  in  this  country  to  civil  and  reli- 
gious liberty  in  the  land  of  their  forefathers,  induced  him  to 
offer  some  of  the  free  people  of  colour  a  passage  to  the  western 
coast  of  Africa.  About  forty  embarked  with  him  at  Boston, 
and  landed  at  Sierra  Leone,  where  they  were  kindly  received. 
Only  eight  of  these  were  able  to  pay  their  passage :  the  whole 
expense  of  the  remainder,  amounting  to  nearly  ^4000,  was  de- 
frayed by  the  noble-minded  Paul  Cuffee. 

If  Captain  Cuffee  had  lived  to  see  the  commencement  of  the 
colony  of  Liberia,  no  man  in  America  would  have  more  re- 
joiced in  the  prospect  of  seeing  a  place  provided  for  the  free 
people  of  colour  where  they  could  enjoy  the  real  blessings  of 
liberty  and  independence.  With  the  friends  of  African  coloni- 
zation this  man's  name  should  be  held  in  high  estimation  ;  as 
being  the  first  man  who  actually  conducted  emigrants  from  the 
United  States  to  the  coast  of  Africa;  and  that  too  at  expense  of 
his  own  funds  greater  than  any  other  individual  has  ever  laid 
out,  in  transporting  colonists  to  that  country. 


48  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 


CHAPTER  III. 

ORIGIN  OF  AFRICAN  COLONIZATION. 

If  the  scheme  of  colonizing  the  free  people  of  colour,  on  the 
coast  of  Africa,  should  eventually  prove  successful,  it  will  here- 
after become  a  matter  of  curious  and  interesting  inquiry,  where, 
and  with  whom,  the  idea  of  such  a  colony  first  originated.  As 
it  relates  to  America,  it  has  commonly  been  supposed,  that  the 
first  distinct  idea  of  transporting  the  descendants  of  Africans  to 
the  land  of  their  forefathers  was  entertained  by  the  Legislature 
of  Virginia.  But  it  is  a  fact  well  known,  that  the  colony  of 
Sierra  Leone  had  been  planted  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa, 
some  time  before  the  secret  resolutions,  on  this  subject,  were 
adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  and  Senate  of  the  state  of 
Virginia. 

There  is  reason  to  believe  that,  in  England,  Granville  Sharpe, 
always  the  zealous  friend  of  the  African  race,  was  the  projector 
of  the  scheme  for  colonizing  the  people  of  colour  at  Sierra 
Leone.  The  credit  of  originating  this  plan  would  seem  then  to 
belong  to  that  distinguished  philanthropist;  but  I  must  put  in 
a  plea  for  a  person  whose  name  has  scarcely  ever  been  men- 
tioned in  connexion  with  African  colonization.  The  person  to 
whom  I  refer  is  the  Rev.  Samuel  Hopkins,  D.  D.,  of  Rhode 
Island.  As  the  part  which  he  acted  in  regard  to  the  African 
race  is  very  interesting,  and  very  little  known,  I  will,  from  the 
memoir  of  his  life  by  the  Rev.  John  Ferguson,  extract  such 
facts  as  have  a  bearing  on  this  subject.  Dr.  Hopkins  is  well 
known,  not  only  in  this  country,  but  in  Great  Britain  and  Ire- 
land, as  a  theological  writer.  In  fact,  he  is  the  author  of  a 
system  of  theology,  and  of  a  number  of  lesser  works,  in  which 
he  maintains  a  number  of  tenets  so  much  at  variance  with  old 
Calvinistic  opinions,  that  his  system  has,  with  his  consent,  been 
denominated  Hopkinsianism.  That  Dr.  Hopkins  was  an  emi- 
nently pious  man  was  never  doubted  by  any  who  were  ac- 
quainted with  his  character.  But  we  are  at  present  only  con- 
cerned with  his  life  so  far  as  his  conduct  had  relation  to  the 
African  race. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  49 

At  the  time  when  Dr.  Hopkins  settled  at  Newport,  the  slave 
trade  was  carried  on  by  the  merchants  of  Rhode  Island  to  a 
great  extent,  and  the  lawfulness  of  the  traffic  had  not  been 
called  in  question.  Slavery  was  common  in  New  England; 
and  in  Newport  nearly  all  persons  able  to  purchase  slaves,  were 
slaveholders.  Indeed,  Dr.  Hopkins  himself,  while  he  resided 
at  Great  Barrington,  was  the  owner  of  a  slave  whom  he  sold 
before  coming  to  Newport.  The  iniquity  of  the  slave  trade 
seems  before  this  time  to  have  occurred  to  none ;  at  least  it  had 
been  denounced  by  no  one.  The  subject  was  now  taken  up 
and  seriously  considered  by  Dr.  Hopkins,  and  the  result  was  a 
deep  conviction  of  the  injustice  of  the  trade,  and  of  the  evils 
of  slavery  itself.  He  felt  that  some  remuneration  was  due  to 
Africa  for  the  injuries  inflicted  on  her  by  our  country,  and  im- 
mediately began  to  think  of  a  plan  of  educating  some  persons 
of  the  African  race,  and  sending  them  back  to  civilize  and 
evangelize  the  savages  of  that  dark  continent.  Although  the 
people  of  Newport  were  deeply  engaged  in  the  slave  trade,  and 
derived  their  wealth  very  much  from  this  source,  and  his 
own  people  as  much  as  others,  yet  he  determined  to  lift  up  his 
voice  against  it ;  and  accordingly,  several  years  before  the  com- 
mencement of  the  revolutionary  war,  he  preached  a  sermon  to 
his  people  pointedly  condemning  this  iniquitous  traffic.  The 
effect  of  this  discourse  was  very  diffi^rent  from  what  might 
have  been  apprehended ;  for,  instead  of  arousing  their  opposi- 
tion and  resentment,  as  he  feared,  it  produced  a  general  convic- 
tion that  the  whole  thnig  was  wrong.  The  people  were  sur- 
prized that  they  had  never  viewed  the  practice  in  the  same 
light  before.  And  it  was  not  long  before  his  church  passed  a 
resolution,  "  That  the  slave  trade,  and  the  slavery  of  the  Afri- 
cans, as  it  has  existed  among  us,  is  a  gross  violation  of  the 
righteousness  and  benevolence  which  are  so  much  inculcated  in 
the  gospel,  and  therefore  we  will  not  tolerate  it  in  this  church." 

In  furtherance  of  the  scheme  of  educating  Africans  to  be 
sent  back  to  their  own  country  to  instruct  their  countrvmen. 
Dr.  Hopkins  appropriated  the  money  which  he  had  received 
for  the  slave  sold  by  him  while  resident  at  Great  Barrington. 
And  as  he  knew  that  a  solitary  individual  could  accomplish 
little  in  such  a  work,  he  set  himself  to  form  an  African  mis- 
sionary society,  to  educate  and  send  out  missionaries  to  carrv 
the  gospel  to  that  benighted  region.  So  much  was  his  heart 
5 


50  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

engaged  in  this  enterprise,  that,  besides  the  sum  ah'eady  men- 
tioned, contributed  by  himself,  he  borrowed,  on  his  own  respon- 
sibility, as  much  as  was  required  to  purchase  a  slave  whom  he 
■wished,  after  preparation,  to  send  to  Africa.  He  also  exerted 
himself  to  procure  the  emancipation  of  three  others,  and  to  ob- 
tain means  for  their  education.  To  accomplish  his  object  he 
corresponded  with  the  society  in  Scotland  "  For  the  Promotion 
of  Christian  knowledge."  Ahd  in  conjunction  with  Dr.  Stiles, 
then  a  pastor  of  a  congregation  in  Newport,  but  afterwards 
President  of  Yale  College,  he  made  an  appeal  to  the  public  in 
behalf  of  the  object  which  he  had  in  view.  This  address  was 
published  in  August  1773.  The  following  is  the  substance  of 
the  address : — "  There  has  been  a  design  formed,  and  some 
attempts  have  lately  been  made,  to  send  the  gospel  to  Guinea, 
by  encouraging  and  furnishing  two  men  to  go  and  preach  the 
gospel  to  their  brethren  there.  To  all  who  are  desirous  to  pro- 
mote the  kingdom  of  Christ  on  earth,  in  the  salvation  of  sin- 
ners, the  following  narrative  and  proposals  are  offered,  to  excite 
their  charity  and  solicit  their  prayers.  There  are  two  coloured 
members  belonging  to  the  First  Congregational  Church  in  New- 
port, on  Rhode  Island,  named  Bristol  Yamma  and  John  Qua- 
niine,  who  were  hopefully  converted  some  years  ago,  and  have 
from  that  time  sustained  a  good  Christian  character,  and  have 
made  good  proficiency  in  Christian  knowledge.  The  latter  is 
the  son  of  a  rich  man  at  Annamboe,and  was  sent  by  his  father 
to  this  place  for  education  among  the  English,  and  then  to  re- 
turn home.  All  this  the  person  to  whom  he  was  committed 
promised  to  perform  for  a  good  reward.  But  instead  of  being 
faithful  to  his  trust,  he  sold  him  for  a  slave  for  life.  But  God, 
in  his  providence,  has  put  it  into  the  power  of  both  of  them  to 
obtain  their  freedom.  These  persons,  thus  acquainted  with 
Christianity,  and  apparently  devoted  to  the  service  of  Christ, 
are  about  thirty  years  old  ;  have  good  natural  abilities,  are  apt, 
steady,  and  judicious,  and  speak  their  native  language;  the 
language  of  a  numerous,  potent  nation  in  Guinea,  to  which 
they  both  belong.  They  are  not  only  ivil/ing,  but  desirous  to 
quit  all  worldly  prospects,  and  risk  their  lives  in  attempting  to 
open  a  door  for  the  propagation  of  Christianity  among  their 
poor,  perishing  heathen  brethren.  The  concurrence  of  all  these 
things  has  led  us  to  set  on  foot  a  proposal  to  send  them  to 
Africa,  to  preach  the  gospel  there,  if  in  any  good  degree  quali- 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATIOX.  51 

fied  for  this  business.  *  *  *  What  is  now  wanted  and  asked, 
is  money  to  support  them  at  school,  to  make  the  trial,  whether 
they  may  be  fitted  for  the  proposed  mission,  *  *  *  As  God,  in 
his  providence,  has  so  far  opened  the  way  to  this  by  raising  up 
these  persons,  and  ordering  the  remarkable  concurring  circum- 
stances and  events  which  have  been  mentioned,  and  there  is 
probably  no  other  instance  in  America  where  so  many  things 
conspire  to  point  out  the  way  for  a  mission  of  this  kind,  with 
encouragement  to  pursue  it,  may  it  not  be  hoped  that  it  will 
have  the  assistance  and  patronage  of  all  the  pious  and  bene- 
volent ? 

"And  it  is  humbly  proposed  to  those  who  are  convinced  of 
the  iniquity  of  the  slave  trade,  and  are  sensible  of  the  great 
inhumanity  and  cruelty  of  enslaving  so  many  thousands  of  our 
fellow  men  every  year,  with  all  the  dreadful  and  horrible 
attendants,  and  are  ready  to  bear  testimony  against  it  in  all 
proper  ways,  and  do  their  utmost  to  put  a  stop  to  it,  whether 
they  have  not  a  good  opportunity  of  doing  this,  by  cheerfully 
contributing,  according  to  their  ability,  to  promote  the  mission 
proposed.  And  whether  this  is  not  the  least  compensation  we 
are  able  to  make  to  the  poor  Africans  for  the  injuries  they  are 
constantly  receiving  by  this  unrighteous  practice. 

"  But  aside  from  this  consideration,  may  we  not  hope  that  all 
who  are  heartily  praying, 'thy  kingdom  come,'  will  liberally 
contribute  to  forward  this  attempt  to  send  the  glorious  gospel 
of  the  blessed  God  to  the  nations  who  now  worship  false  gods, 
and  dwell  in  the  habitations  of  cruelty,  and  the  land  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  especially  as  the  King  of  Zion  has  promised, 
that  whosoever  parts  with  any  thing  in  this  world  for  the  king- 
dom of  heaven's  sake,  shall  receive  manifold  more  in  this  pre- 
sent time,  and  in  the  world  to  come,  everlasting  life?" 

The  preceding  address  was  subscribed  by  Ezra  Stiles  and 
Samuel  Hopkins,  and  dated  August  31,  1773. 

The  effect  of  this  sensible,  sober,  and  pious  circular  was,  that 
contributions  to  the  amount  of  more  than  one  hundred  pounds, 
were  sent  in,  of  which  thirty  pounds  were  received  from  the 
society  in  Scotland  for  promoting  Christian  knowledge.  The 
answer  to  the  circular  from  that  society  shows  that  they  took  a 
lively  interest  in  the  novel  enterprise,  and  deserves  to  be  pre- 
served. It  is  as  follows: — "The  perusal  of  this  memorial,  gave 
great  satisfaction  to  the  Directors,  while  it  excited  their  admira- 


52  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

tion  at  the  various,  secret,  and  most  unlikely  means,  whereby 
an  all-wise  Providence  sees  meet  to  accomplish  his  gracious 
purposes.  At  the  same  time  they  rejoiced  at  the  fair  prospect 
now  afforded,  to  extend  the  Mediator's  kingdom  to  those  na- 
tions, who  dwell  at  present  in  the  habitations  of  cruelty,  and  in 
the  region  and  shadow  of  death.  After  saying  so  much,  it  is 
almost  unnecessary  to  add,  that  the  plan  suggested  in  your 
memorial,  received  the  warmest  approbation  of  the  directors  of 
the  society;  and  that  they  highly  applauded  your  pious  zeal  in 
this  matter,  which  they  earnestly  wish  and  hope  may  be  crown- 
ed with  success." 

They  received  also  communications  from  several  ecclesiasti- 
cal bodies,  expressive  of  their  cordial  approbation  of  the  enter- 
prise. 

To  prepare  the  two  young  men  before  mentioned  for  their 
missionary  work,  it  was  judged  expedient  to  send  them  to 
Princeton,  New  Jersey,  to  be  for  a  season,  under  the  tuition  of 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Witherspoon,  the  President  of  the  New  Jersey 
College.  How  long  they  continued  in  this  place,  or  what  pro- 
ficiency they  made  in  their  studies,  we  are  not  informed.  The 
interest  which  Dr.  Hopkins  felt  in  every  thing  which  related  to 
the  former  history  of  these  young  Africans,  was  remarkable. 
Having  heard  that  at  Cape  Coast  Castle,  there  resided  a  native 
of  Guinea,  who  had  not  only  been  converted  from  Paganism  to 
Christianity,  but  had  been  admitted  into  the  sacred  ministry, 
and  was  then  a  missionary  under  "  The  Society  in  London 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel,"  he  wrote  to  him  to  inquire 
respecting  the  family  of  John  Quamine ;  and  at  the  same  time, 
informed  him  of  the  circumstance  of  his  having  been  sold  into 
slavery,  and  also  described  the  several  members  of  his  family, 
who  were  left  in  Africa,  as  received  from  himself.  Philip 
Quaque,  for  that  was  the  name  of  the  missionary,  upon  the  re- 
ceipt of  Dr.  Hopkins's  letter,  made  the  requisite  inquiries,  and 
with  complete  success.  This  letter  is  so  interesting,  that  we 
cannot  deny  ourselves  the  pleasure  of  laying  a  copy  of  it  before 
our  readers.  "  It  is  with  inexpressible  pleasure  that  I  acquaint 
you,  that  my  inquiries  after  the  friends  and  relations  of  that 
gentleman  have  met  with  the  desired  success.  The  minute 
account  he  entertained  you  with,  of  his  family  and  kindred,  is 
just.  His  mother's  name  is  as  you  have  written  it,  who  is  still 
alive,  and  whom  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing.     But  the  bowels 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  53 

of  maternal  affection — in  truth  I  declare  it — seemed  ready  to 
burst,  and  break  forth  in  tears  of  joy,hke  Jacob  when  he  heard 
that  his  beloved  son  Joseph  was  yet  alive.  The  joy  it  enkin- 
dled in  expectation  of  seeing  once  more,  the  fruit  of  her  womb, 
before  she  with  her  grey  hairs  goes  down  to  the  grave,  fills  her 
with  ecstacies  of  joy,  resembling  Jacob's;  and  she  breaks  forth, 
and  says, '  It  is  enough — my  son  is  yet  alive.  I  hope,  by  God's 
blessing,  to  see  him  before  I  die.'  His  uncle  is  called  by  the 
same  name  as  that  which  you  have  given  him.  In  short,  every 
circumstance  is  agreeable  to  the  description  given  in  your  let- 
ter. A  great  personage  in  his  family,  whose  name  is  Oforee, 
and  now  enjoys  his  father's  estate,  desires  with  great  importu- 
nity, that  I  should  petition  you,  that  he  may  be  returned  to 
them,  as  soon  as  may  be;  and  promises  that  nothing  shall  be 
wanting,  to  make  him  and  all  about  him,  comfortable  and  hap- 
py, among  his  own  kindred.  And  the  whole  family  join  in  re- 
questing me  to  render  you  all  the  grateful  acknowledgments, 
they  are  able  to  return,  for  your  paternal  care  and  affection, 
exercised  toward  him ;  and  beg  me  to  tell  you  that  it  is  not  iu 
their  power  to  requite  you  for  all  your  trouble;  they,  therefore, 
hope  that  the  good  God  of  heaven  will  recompense  you  hereaf- 
ter for  your  labour  of  love  bestowed  on  him." 

In  another  letter,  from  the  same  person,  he  says,  "  The  mo- 
ther is  still  looking  with  impatience  for  the  return  of  her  son, 
once  dead  and  lost.  She,  and  the  principal  cousin,  who  pos- 
sesses the  estate  of  his  father,  join  in  earnestly  entreating  that 
you  would,  in  your  Christian  love  and  charity  to  them,  send  the 
lad  again,  that  he  may  receive  their  cordial  embraces,  looking 
upon  themselves  able  to  support  him. 

"  I  received  the  charitable  proposals,  and  sincerely  thank  you 
therefor.  And  I  am  joyful  to  hear  there  are  Africans  with 
you  who  partake  of  the  blessings  of  the  gospel,  and  in  time 
may  be  the  means  of  promoting  the  greatest  and  best  interests, 
of  Africans  here.  I  wish  to  God  for  its  speedy  accomplishment 
when  the  nations  who  are  not  now  called  the  children  of  Jeho- 
vah, shall  become  the  prophets  of  the  Lord,  and  the  children 
of  the  living  God.  May  the  benediction  of  the  Almighty 
prosper  all  your  undertakings  to  the  saving  of  many  souls  !" 

Some  time  after  this  infornlation  respecting  the  family  of 
John  Quamine  was  received,  a  native  of  Annamboe  arrived  at 
Newport,  and  confirmed  all  the  accounts  given  above.     He  ap- 
5* 


54  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

peared  to  be  a  sensible  and  inquisitive  man,  and  of  good  moral 
character.  He  was  also  a  relative  of  Quamine.  He  expressed 
a  strong  desire  to  learn  to  read,  and  to  be  instructed  in  the 
Christian  religion.  He  appeared  to  be  sensible  that  his  coun- 
trymen were  destitute  of  the  knowledge  of  the  true  method  of 
pleasing  God  and  obtaining  his  favour,  and  said,  that  he  had 
heard  that  the  Christians  were  in  possession  of  a  revelation 
from  Him,  and  he  desired  to  become  acquainted  with  its  con- 
tents. He  said,  moreover,  that  there  were  many  young  men 
in  his  country  who  had  a  strong  desire  to  read  and  write,  and 
would  even  come  to  America  to  be  educated,  if  they  were  not 
afraid  of  being  deceived  and  sold,  as  was  Quamine.  He  ap- 
peared to  be  much  pleased  when  informed  that  there  was  a  plan 
in  contemplation  for  sending  back  some  of  the  African  race  to 
teach  the  people. 

Besides  the  two  already  mentioned,  who  now  only  waited  for 
a  good  opportunity  of  sailing  for  Africa,  there  was  a  third, 
named  Salmur  Nuba,  a  member  of  the  Second  Congregational 
Church,  in  Newport,  then  under  the  pastoral  charge  of  Dr. 
Stiles;  a  promising  young  man,  of  about  twenty  years  of  age, 
possessing  good  talents,  and,  apparently,  ardent  piety.  This 
young  man  had  his  freedom  given  to  him,  and  was  greatly  de- 
sirous of  attempting,  in  some  way,  the  propagation  of  the  gos- 
pel among  the  Africans.  It  was  much  desired  to  have  this 
young  man  prepared  to  be  a  teacher  or  preacher  in  his  native 
country,  but  the  funds  which  the  society  had  been  able  to  col- 
lect were  entirely  inadequate.  It  was,  therefore,  resolved  to 
make  another  appeal  to  the  Christian  public  for  further  aid ; 
accordingly,  another  address  was  prepared,  an  extract  from 
which  is  as  follows: 

"  Since  it  has  pleased  God  so  far  to  succeed  this  design,  in 
his  providence,  and  in  such  a  remarkable  manner  to  open  the 
way  from  step  to  step,  and  given  such  hopeful  prospects,  and 
good  encouragement  to  pursue  it,  we  think  it  our  duty  still  to 
prosecute  it,  and  we  ask  the  benefactions  of  all  who  are  willing 
to  promote  an  undertaking  in  itself  so  benevolent ;  and  which, 
though  small  in  its  beginning,  may  hopefully  issue  in  something 
very  great,  and  open  the  way  to  the  happiness  and  salvation  of 
multitudes;  yea,  of  many  nations  who  are  now  in  the  most 
miserable  state,  ready  to  perish  in  the  darkness  of  heathenism. 
We  beg  leave,  also,  to  observe,  that  the  present  state  of  our 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  55 

public  affairs  is  so  far  from  being  a  reason  for  neglecting  this 
proposal,  that  it  seems  rather  to  afford  strong  reason  to  encourage 
it.  For  while  we  are  struggling  for  our  civil  and  religious  liber- 
ties, it  will  be  peculiarly  becoming  and  laudable,  to  exert  our- 
selves to  attain  the  same  blessings  for  others,  as  far  as  it  is  in 
our  power.  And  when  God  is  so  interposing,  and  ordering 
such  a  series  of  events  in  our  favour,  in  this  time  of  general 
distress,  is  there  not  a  special  call  to  pay  this  tribute  to  Him,  as 
a  likely  method  to  obtain  the  continuation  of  his  favour  ?"  This 
circular,  as  the  former  one,  was  subscribed  by  Ezra  Stiles,  and 
Samuel  Hopkins,  and  was  dated  April  10,  1776,  Newport, 
Rhode  Island. 

But  soon  after  the  publication  of  the  preceding  address,  the 
people  of  Newport,  and  Dr.  Hopkins  and  his  congregation 
among  the  rest,  experienced  the  calamities  of  war.  They  were 
driven  by  the  enemy  from  their  homes,  and  the  Africans  from 
their  studies.  Thus,  all  opportunity  of  sending  these  designated 
missionaries  to  Africa  was  cut  off;  and  not  only  so,  but  Ifce 
pecuniary  resources  of  the  country  were  exhausted,  and  the 
members  of  the  missionary  society  were  scattered.  Besides 
these  discouraging  circumstances,  before  the  war  was  concluded 
and  peace  restored,  one  of  the  young  men  who  had  been  in 
training  for  this  service,  was  called  away  by  death.  Thus,  this 
promising  enterprise,  into  which  Dr.  Hopkins  had  entered  with 
so  warm  a  zeal,  was  frustrated  by  the  mysterious,  but  all-wise, 
providence  of  God.  Yet  the  agitation  of  this  subject  was  not 
without  its  salutary  effects.  It  was  the  first  movement  in  be- 
half of  poor,  injured  Africa.  A  wave  was  now  put  in  motion 
which  we  trust  will  not  cease  its  agitations  until  it  bears  on  its 
bosom  all  the  sable  descendants  of  Africa  to  the  land  of  their 
fathers.  Besides,  we  consider  this  extraordinary  enterprise  as 
one  which  has  a  real  connection  with  the  scheme  of  African 
colonization,  now  in  a  course  of  execution.  The  connection 
may  be  thus  traced.  It  is  an  ascertained  fact,  that  Dr.  Hopkins 
corresponded  on  the  subject  of  sending  these  Africans  back  to 
Africa,  with  Granville  Sharpe,  the  celebrated  philanthropist,  by 
whom,  in  all  probability,  the  plan  of  settling  a  colony  at  Sierra 
Leone  was  devised.  And  the  recollection  of  this  scheme  of 
Dr.  Hopkins,  to  send  back  to  Africa  some  of  her  sons  as  mis- 
sionaries, in  all  probability  suggested  the  idea  of  African  colo- 
nization. Whether  this  conjecture  is  correct  or  not,  it  is  evident 


56  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

that  Dr.  Hopkins  was  the  first  who  conceived  the  idea  of  send- 
ing converted  Africans  to  their  native  land,  for  the  sake  of  com- 
municating the  knowledge  of  Christianity  to  their  benighted 
countrymen. 

After  the  revolutionary  war  was  terminated,  by  the  acknow- 
ledgment, on  the  part  of  Britain,  of  the  independence  of  these 
United  States,  Dr.  Hopkins  and  his  flock  returned  again  to 
Newport ;  and  although  the  prospect  of  sending  to  Africa  the 
persons  who  had  been  prepared  for  that  mission  was  rendered 
impossible,  by  reason  of  the  decease  of  one  of  the  young  men, 
and  by  the  total  want  of  adequate  funds  for  the  execution  of 
that  enterprise,  yet  his  zeal  in  behalf  of  the  African  race  was 
in  no  degree  diminished.  He  wrote  and  published  a  pamphlet  in 
favour  of  the  emancipation  of  the  Africans  held  in  bondage  in 
this  country,  which  was,  probably,  the  first  treatise  on  that 
subject  from  any  pen.  He  also  reorganized  the  society  which 
had  been  scattered  during  the  war,  to  the  funds  of  which, 
though  poor,  he  was  by  far  the  largest  contributor.  Having 
received  nine  hundred  dollars  for  the  copy-right  of  his  System 
of  Theology,  he  gave  one  hundred  to  promote  the  objects  of 
this  society,  and  he  still  encouraged  himself  and  his  friends  to 
proceed  in  their  benevolent  enterprise.  "  The  way,"  said  he 
"  to  the  proposed  mission  still  lies  open,  and  the  encouragements 
in  it  are  as  great  as  ever.  All  that  is  wanting  is  money,  exer- 
tion, and  missionaries  to  undertake  it.  There  are  religious 
blacks  to  be  found  who  understand  the  language  of  the  nations 
in  those  parts,  who  might  be  employed  if  they  were  properly 
encouraged;  and  if  they  were  brought  to  embrace  Christianity, 
and  to  be  civilized,  it  would  put  an  end  to  the  slave  trade  and 
render  them  happy ;  and  it  would  open  a  door  for  trade  which 
would  be  to  the  temporal  interest  both  of  the  Africans  and 
Americans.  As  attention  to  the  propagation  of  the  gospel 
appears  to  be  now  spreading  and  increasing  in  America,  it  is 
hoped  that  the  eyes  of  many  will  now  be  opened  to  see  the 
peculiar  obligations  they  are  under  to  attempt  to  send  the 
gospel  to  the  Africans,  whom  we  have  injured  and  abused  so 
greatly,  more  than  any  other  people  under  heaven,  it  being  the 
best  and  only  compensation  which  we  can  make  them."  It  is 
truly  wonderful  how  just  and  mature  were  the  sentiments  of 
this  wise  man,  respecting  the  advantages  which  would  accrue 
from  the  civilization  and  christianization  of  Africa.     The  very 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  57 

reasons  which  are  now  urged  by  the  friends  of  African  coloniza- 
tion, namely,  the  suppression  of  the  slave  trade,  the  promotion 
of  a  trade  mutually  profitable  to  the  parlies,  and  the  establish- 
ment of  peace  and  prosperity  among  the  natives  of  that  conti- 
nent, are  here  distinctly  referred  to.  The  preceding  citation  is 
from  Dr.  Hopkins's  '  Life  of  Susannah  Osborn.' 

But,  although  Dr.  Hopkins  was  disappointed  in  the  hope 
which  he  had  so  fondly  entertained  of  sending  missionaries  to 
Africa,  it  is  a  remarkable  fact,  that  two  of  those  young  Africans 
instructed  by  him  with  a  view  to  this  mission,  in  extreme  old 
age  went  to  Liberia,  when  the  colony  was  planted  there.  One 
of  these  was  Deacon  Gardner,  a  man  well  known  throughout 
New  England,  and  especially  in  Boston.  The  history  of  this 
man  is  not  only  remarkable  but  somewhat  romantic.  He  was 
a  native  of  Africa,  but  was  brought  to  this  country  in  the  year 
1760,  when  only  fourteen  years  old.  He  very  soon  manifested 
extraordinary  talents,  and  after  receiving  a  few  elementary  les- 
sons, he  quickly  learned  to  read  by  his  own  unaided  efforts. 
In  the  same  way  he  learned  music,  in  which  art  he  became 
such  an  adept  that  he  composed  a  large  number  of  tunes,  some 
of  which  have  been  highly  approved  by  good  judges.  He  was 
long  a  highly  esteemed  teacher  of  vocal  music  in  Newport, 
where  many  resorted  to  his  school  for  improvement  in  this  de- 
lightful art.  One  of  the  most  extraordinary  things  in  the  his- 
tory of  this  man,  was  his  ability  to  speak  his  vernacular  tongue 
with  ease  and  fluency  at  the  age  of  thirty,  when  he  had  been 
absent  from  his  country  for  sixteen  years,  having  been  brought 
away  when  only  fourteen  years  of  age.  His  uncommon  talents 
attracted  the  attention  of  Dr.  Hopkins,  and  his  ardent  piety 
gained  his  high  esteem.  He,  therefore,  marked  him  out  as 
a  suitable  person  to  be  sent  as  a  missionary  to  Africa,  and 
set  himself  to  work  to  obtain  his  freedom,  in  which,  after  some 
time,  he  was  successful.  But  there  is  a  circumstance  connected 
with  his  emancipation  which  is  so  extraordinary,  that  if  it  were 
not  so  well  authenticated  we  should  hesitate  to  mention  it; 
as  to  some  of  our  readers  it  may  probably  savour  too  much  of 
enthusiasm.  But  in  fact  it  is  nothing  else  than  an  evident  and 
somewhat  extraordinary  answer  to  prayer.  Gardner  was  the 
slave  of  Captain  Gardner,  whose  name  he  assumed.  By  the 
indulgence  of  his  master  he  was  allowed  to  labour  for  his  own 
profit,  in  whatever  scraps  of  time  he  could  save  from  his  daily 


58  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

work ;  and  all  that  he  gained  was  devoted  to  the  obtaining  his 
own  freedom,  and  that  of  his  family.  Being  often  discouraged 
at  the  slow  progress  he  made,  he  was  advised  by  a  pious  deacon 
of  Dr.  Hopkins's  church  to  try  the  efficacy  of  prayer  and  fast- 
ing, and  see  if  he  would  not  get  along  more  successfully  than 
by  labour  alone.  In  compliance  with  this  advice,  having 
gained  a  day,  he  determined  to  spend  it  in  fasting  and  prayer, 
but  communicated  his  purpose  to  no  one  but  Dr.  Hopkins  and 
a  few  pious  friends.  His  master,  totally  ignorant  of  the  man- 
ner in  which  his  slave  was  occupied,  sent  for  him  about  four 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  but  was  told  that  Gardner  was  engaged 
about  his  own  business,  this  being  his  gained  day.  "No  mat- 
ter," replied  his  master,  "call  him."  And  when  the  slave  ap- 
peared, he  put  into  his  hand  a  paper  on  which  was  written  the 
following  words,  "I,  James  Gardner,  of  Newport,  Rhode 
Island,  do  this  day  manumit  and  release,  forever,  Newport 
Gardner,  his  wife  and  children."  Some  conditions  were  an- 
nexed which  were  of  easy  performance.  The  slave,  thus  un- 
expectedly emancipated,  expressed,  of  course,  fervent  gratitude 
to  his  late  master,  who  now  had  become  his  benefactor,  but 
still  warmer  thanks  to  his  Father  in  heaven,  who  had  so  sig- 
nally answered  the  prayers  which  he  had  been  offering  up  that 
day  for  his  freedom,  even  before  he  had  finished  his  supplica- 
tions. 

During  a  long  life,  this  man  had  his  mind  directed  to  Africa, 
and  when  the  colony  of  Liberia  was  established,  though  ad- 
vanced to  his  eightieth  year,  yet  he  embraced  the  opportunity 
of  going  to  his  native  country.  With  a  view  to  his  going  to 
Liberia,  he  and  several  others  were,  in  Boston,  constituted  into 
a  Christian  church,  of  which  he  was  immediately  ordained  a 
deacon,  together  with  Salmur  Nubia,  another  of  Dr.  Hopkins's 
promising  young  Africans,  of  whom  mention  has  already  been 
made.  The  solemn  exercises  connected  with  the  constitution 
of  this  church,  were  conducted  by  Dr.  Jenks,  Dr.  Wisner,  Dr. 
Edwards,  and  Dr.  S.  E.  Dwight.  The  public  solemnity  was 
closed  by  an  anthem,  composed  by  Deacon  Gardner,  and  set  to 
words  selected  from  several  passages  of  the  sacred  Scriptures, 
exceedingly  appropriate  to  the  interesting  occasion.  This  little 
band  of  African  Christians  embarked  for  Africa  on  the  7th  of 
January,  1826,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Horace  Sessions. 

This  undertaking  of  Deacon  Gardner,  to  return  to  his  na- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  59 

tive  land,  at  an  age  so  advanced,  was  not  the  eifect  of  any 
sudden  impulse  or  temporary  excitement,  but  was  the  break- 
ing out  of  that  flame  of  love  to  Christ  and  to  his  kinsmen 
according  to  the  flesh,  which  had  been  enkindled  in  his  bosom, 
in  Dr.  Hopkins's  study,  half  a  century  before.  Thus,  after  an 
absence  of  more  than  threescore  years,  this  patriarchal  man 
set  sail  for  Liberia,  to  assist  in  laying  the  foundation  of  an  in- 
fant colony,  which  he  hoped  would  be  the  germ  of  a  great  and 
free  and  happy  republic,  which  might  shine  as  a  light  to  illu- 
mine the  dark  regions  of  Africa,  and  be  an  asylum  for  the  colour- 
ed race  in  this  country,  who  are  here  destitute  of  those  privi- 
leges, and  that  respectability  which  the  colonists  in  Liberia  so 
richly  enjoy. 

What  the  end  was,  of  this  remarkable  man,  we  have  not  been 
informed.  He  was  too  far  advanced  in  years  to  take  an  active 
part  in  the  affairs  of  the  colony,  but  his  example  and  his  coun- 
sels may  have  been  of  eminent  service  to  those  engaged  in  this 
arduous  enterprise. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  AMERICAN  COLONIZATION  SOCIETY. 

The  inconsistency  of  holding  men  in  slavery,  while  we  our- 
selves were  contending  for  liberty  at  the  peril  of  every  thing 
dear,  could  not  but  strike  the  minds  of  reflecting  persons.  No 
sooner,  therefore,  was  independence  declared,  than  several  of 
the  States  took  measures,  gradually  to  put  an  end  to  slavery, 
by  enacting  laws,  that  all  children  born  of  slaves,  after  a  cer- 
tain date,  should  be  free,  when  they  arrived  at  a  certain  age. 
When  the  slaves  were  few  in  number,  there  was  no  difficulty 
in  this  measure  for  the  gradual  emancipation  of  the  slaves;  but 
in  the  Southern  States,  where  they  were  very  numerous,  the 
obstacles  to  the  passing  of  such  laws  were  so  formidable,  that 
the  thing  was  never  seriously  proposed  in  any  of  their  legisla- 
tive bodies.     The  obstacles  were  of  two  kinds.    First,  the  oppo- 


60  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

sition  of  the  slave  holders  themselves.  As  under  the  laws  of 
these  States,  they  had  acquired  this  species  of  property,  for 
which  they  or  their  forefathers  had  paid  a  valuable  considera- 
tion ;  they  insisted  that  the  legislature  had  no  right  to  deprive 
them  of  this  property,  without  giving  them  a  compensation  for 
the  same;  and  as  the  majority  of  the  people,  in  all  the  Southern 
States,  are  slave-holders,  it  is  evident,  that  until  the  people  were 
willing,  the  legislatures,  consisting  of  their  representatives,  an- 
nually chosen,  could  do  nothing  towards  the  accomplishment  of 
this  object.  The  other  obstacle,  which  rendered  the  thing  inex- 
pedient, even  with  the  more  enlightened  and  benevolent,  who 
were  the  sincere  friends  of  emancipation,  was  the  difficulty  of  dis- 
posing of  them,  when  liberated.  The  sentiment  is  almost  univer- 
sal, among  all  classes  of  people  in  the  Southern  States,  that  it  will 
never  do  to  emancipate  the  slaves,  and  permit  them  to  remain 
in  the  country.  Hence,  almost  every  scheme  of  emancipation 
in  the  south,  has  been  accompanied  by  some  plan  of  removal ;  or 
which  is  the  same  thing,  colonization,  into  some  country  or  ter- 
ritory remote  from  their  present  owners.  This  subject,  however, 
engaged  the  earnest  attention  of  the  leading  politicians  of  the 
country.  Mr.  Jefferson,  in  his  Notes  on  Virginia,  recommends 
the  emancipation  of  the  slaves  by  the  most  powerful  arguments ; 
but  it  has  been  always  understood  that  his  plan  was  to  remove 
them  to  some  part  of  the  extensive  country  north-west  of  the 
Ohio,  which  then  belonged  to  the  state  of  Virginia,  and  was  en- 
tirely unoccupied,  except  by  the  Indians,  and  a  few  scattered 
French  settlements.  No  effort,  however,  was  ever  made  by  Mr. 
Jefferson  to  carry  his  views  into  effect.  If  any  man  could,  by  liis 
influence,  have  secured  the  passing  of  a  law,  emancipating  the 
blacks  in  Virginia,  that  man  was  Mr.  Jefferson.  But  he  saw, 
no  doubt,  that  the  obstacles  in  the  way  of  emancipation,  were 
insurmountable.  He  did  no  more,  therefore,  than  give  utter- 
ance to  his  own  deUberate  opuiions.  He  did  not  even  give 
liberty  to  his  own  slaves.  Perhaps  he  was  convinced,  before 
his  death,  that  their  condition  would  not  be  alleviated  by  giv- 
ing them  their  freedom  ;  as  he  had  before  him  many  examples 
of  the  degraded  and  unhappy  situation  of  the  free  negroes  in 
Virginia.  Even  those  emancipated  by  the  last  will  of  General 
Washington,  are  said  to  have  been  great  losers  by  the  acquisi- 
tion of  their  freedom.  Mr.  Jefferson,  however,  always  mani- 
fested a  decided  approbation  of  the  African  colonization  scheme ; 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  61 

and  if  he  had  been  so  disposed,  he  might  have  sent  his  slaves  to 
Liberia.  But  the  truth  is,  that  Mr.  Jefferson  was  so  deeply  in- 
volved in  debt,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  that  no  act  of  his  in 
granting  them  liberty,  would  have  taken  effect,  as  they  would 
have  been  seized  to  satisfy  the  demands  of  his  creditors. 

As  well  as  can  be  ascertained  by  a  diligent  research,  the  first 
man  who  ever  seriously  contemplated  sending  a  colony  to 
Africa,  was  Doctor  Thornton,  a  native  of  Virginia,  but  at  the 
time  when  he  conceived  this  plan,  a  resident  of  the  city  of 
Washington,  where  he  is  still  remembered,  as  at  the  same  time 
a  man  of  many  eccentricities,  arising  from  a  vivid  genius,  and 
a  real  philanthropist.  Dr.  Thornton  not  only  formed  a  plan  of 
African  colonization,  but  actually  attempted  its  execution,  in- 
tending to  become  himself  the  leader  of  the  colony.  Therefore, 
in  the  year  17S7,he  published  an  "Address"  to  the  free  people 
of  colour  in  Rhode  Island  and  Massachusetts,  inviting  them  to 
accompany  him  to  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  with  the  view  of 
planting  a  colony  in  the  land  of  their  forefathers.  Although 
Dr.  Hopkins's  plan  preceded  this  many  years,  yet  his  was  rather 
a  missionary, than  a  colonization  scheme;  although,  as  we  have 
seen,  it  probably  suggested  the  first  idea  of  the  colony  at  Sierra 
Leone.  But  Dr.  Thornton  was  undoubtedly  the  first  who  con- 
ceived, and  attempted  to  carry  into  effect,  a  plan  for  a  colony  of 
free  coloured  people  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa.  The  en- 
terprise, as  might  have  been  expected,  fell  through  for  want  of 
funds  to  carry  it  into  effect.  But  it  is  pleasant  to  know,  that 
this  benevolent  and  enterprising  man  lived  to  see  the  Coloniza- 
tion Society  formed,  and  in  successful  operation  ;  to  which  he 
gave  his  cordial  approbation,  and  was  one  of  its  first  mana- 
gers. 

The  condition  of  the  slaves  occupied  the  attention  of  many 
serious,  sagacious  men  in  Virginia,  about  the  close  of  the  last 
century.  It  was  often  a  subject  of  free  conversation  among 
enlightened  men,  and  their  opinions  generally  were  favourable 
to  the  emancipation  of  the  slaves,  both  on  principles  of  justice 
and  sound  policy.  But  the  great  difficulty  was  to  know  what 
disposal  to  make  of  them.  To  obviate,  this  difficulty  various 
plans  were  devised.  Among  the  rest,  the  writer,  then  a  resi- 
dent of  Virginia,  remembers  to  have  heard  a  very  plausible 
plan  for  the  emancipation  of  the  slaves,  and  for  their  coloniza- 
tion in  the  northwestern  territory,  given  in  detail  by  William 
6 


62  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Craighead,  Esq.,  presiding  magistrate  in  Lunenberg  county, 
Virginia.  Mr.  Craighead  was  a  native  of  the  state  of  Dela- 
ware, but  in  early  Hfe  settled  in  Hanover,  where  he  became  an 
elder  in  the  church  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Davies,and  an  intimate 
friend  of  that  celebrated  evangelical  preacher.  During  the 
revolutionary  war  he  was  an  ardent,  active  patriot,  and  had 
the  honour  of  suggesting  some  measures  to  promote  unity  and 
efficiency  among  the  Americans,  which  were  generally  adopted. 
He  was  a  man  of  sanguine  temperament,  strong  good  sense, 
and  warm  piety. 

The  outlines  of  Mr.  Craighead's  plans  as  nearly  as  can  be 
remembered  were, that  emancipation  should  be  gradual,  and  that 
none  should  be  sent  to  the  new  colony  but  such  as  were  fitted 
for  colonists  by  some  suitable  preparatory  education.  At  first 
the  numbers  sent  were  to  be  small,  but  as  the  colony  increased, 
and  as  the  number  prepared  by  a  suitable  education  were  mul- 
tiplied, the  removal  of  them  might  go  on  in  a  ratio  increasing 
every  year.  Their  relation  to  the  government  of  the  United 
States  was  to  be  something  analogous  to  that  in  which  the  In- 
dians now  stand.  This  plan  related  entirely  to  the  slaves  in 
Virginia,  though  equally  applicable  to  other  States. 

That  the  subject  of  emancipating  the  slaves  was  a  matter  of 
serious  inqiliry  and  discussion  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  toward 
the  close  of  the  last  century,  is  evident  from  the  fact,  that  St. 
George  Tucker,  one  of  the  Judges  of  the  Court  of  Appeals, 
professor  of  law  in  the  College  of  William  and  Mary,  and  the 
editor  of  Blackstone's  Commentaries,  devised  and  published  a 
plan  for  the  gradual  emancipation  of  all  the  slaves  in  the  State. 
And  although  his  scheme  was  by  few  considered  feasible,  yet 
the  proposal  of  emancipation  from  such  high  authority  created 
no  excitement  in  the  country.  The  plan  was  scanned,  and  its 
provisions  discussed  with  as  much  calmness  as  ordinary  politi- 
cal measures,  in  which  all  the  citizens  had  an  interest. 

It  will  not,  after  what  has  been  said,  appear  surprising  that 
the  Virginia  Legislature,  as  early  as  December  1800,  should 
have  turned  their  attention  to  the  subject  of  colonization.  Their 
immediate  object,  doubtless,  was  to  get  rid  of  the  free  negroes, 
who  were  considered  as  not  only  useless  members  of  society, 
but  as  exercising  a  very  pernicious  influence  on  the  character 
of  the  slaves.  Their  action  on  the  subject  appears  to  have 
been  not  only  secret,  but  extremely  cautious.     The  resolution 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  63 

which  they  passed  ahiiost  unanimously,  was  couched  in  the 
following  words,  viz : 

In  the  House  of  Delegates,  December  31,  1800. 

Resolved,  That  the  Governor  be  requested  to  correspond  with 
the  President  of  the  United  States  on  the  subject  of  purchasing 
lands  without  the  limits  of  this  State,  whither  persons  obnoxious 
to  the  laws  or  dangerous  to  the  peace  of  society  may  be 
removed. 

A  copy  from  the  House  of  Delegates. 

WILLIAM  WIRT,  Cleric,  H.  D. 

Taking  this  resolution  by  itself,  we  should  not  suppose  that 
it  had  any  reference  to  the  free  negroes,  but  that  it  was  the 
object  of  the  House  to  obtain  a  penal  settlement  for  such  per- 
sons as  might  be  convicted  of  high  crimes  or  misdemeanours 
against  the  la\ys  of  the  State, 

Mr.  Monroe,  being  then  Governor  of  Virginia,  in  compliance 
with  the  foregoing  resolution,  addressed  the  following  letter  to 
Mr.  Jefferson,  then  President  of  the  United  States : 

Richmond,  June  15,  1801. 

Sir  :  1  enclose  you  a  resolution  of  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Commonwealth,  of  the  last  session,  by  which  it  is  made 
my  duty  to  correspond  with  you  on  the  subject  of  obtaining, 
by  purchase,  lands  without  the  limits  of  this  State,  to  which 
persons  obnoxious  to  the  laws  or  dangerous  to  the  peace  of 
society  may  be  removed.  This  resolution  was  produced  by  the 
conspiracy  of  the  slaves  which  took  place  in  this  city  and  neigh- 
bourhood last  year,  and  is  applicable  to  that  description  only. 
The  idea  of  such  an  acquisition  was  suggested  by  motives  of 
humanity,  it  being  intended  by  means  thereof  to  provide  an 
alternate  mode  of  punishment  for  those  described  by  the  reso- 
lution, who,  under  the  existing  law,  might  be  doomed  to  suffer 
death.  It  was  deemed  more  humane,  and,  it  is  hoped,  would 
be  found  in  practice  not  less  expedient,  to  transport  such 
offenders  beyond  the  hmits  of  the  State. 

It  seems  to  be  the  more  obvious  intention  of  the  Legislature, 
as  inferred  from  the  resolution,  to  make  the  proposed  acquisi- 
tion of  land  in  the  vacant  Western  territory  of  the  United 
States ;  but  it  does  not  appear  to  me  to  preclude  one  without 
the  limits  of  the  Union.  If  a  friendly  Power  would  designate 
a  tract  of  country  within  its  jurisdiction,  either  on  this  continent 
or  a  neighbouring  island,  to  which  we  might  send  such  persons, 


64  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

it  is  not  improbable  the  Legislature  might  prefer  it.  In  any 
event,  an  alternative  could  not  be  otherwise  than  desirable, 
since,  after  maturely  weighing  the  condition  and  advantages  of 
each  position,  the  Legislature  might  still  prefer  that  which 
appeared  to  it  most  eligible. 

It  is  proper  to  remark,  that  the  latter  part  of  the  resolution, 
which  proposes  the  removal  of  such  persons  as  are  dangerous 
to  the  peace  of  society,  may  be  understood  as  comprising  many 
to  whom  the  preceding  member  does  not  apply.  Whether  the 
Legislature  intended  to  give  it  a  more  extensive  import,  or, 
rather,  whether  it  contemplated  removing  from  the  country  any 
but  culprits  condemned  to  suffer  death,  I  will  not  pretend  to 
decide.  But,  if  the  more  enlarged  construction  of  the  resolu- 
tion is  deemed  the  true  one,  it  furnishes,  in  my  opinion,  a  strong 
additional  motive  why  the  Legislature,  in  disposing  of  this 
great  concern,  should  command  an  alternative  of  places.  As 
soon  as  the  mind  emerges,  in  contemplating  the  subject,beyond 
the  contracted  scale  of  providing  a  mode  of  punishment  for 
offenders,  vast  and  interesting  objects  present  themselves  to 
view.  It  is  impossible  not  to  involve  in  it  the  condition  of 
those  people,  the  embarrassment  they  have  already  occasioned 
us,  and  are  still  likely  to  subject  us  to.  We  perceive  an  exist- 
ing evil,  which  commenced  under  our  colonial  system,  with 
which  we  are  not  properly  chargeable,  or,  if  at  all,  not  in  the 
present  degree  ;  and  we  acknowledge  the  extreme  difficulty  in 
remedying  it.  At  this  point  the  mind  rests  with  suspense,  and 
surveys  with  anxiety  obstacles  which  become  more  serious  as 
we  approach  them.  It  is  in  vain  for  the  Legislature  to  deliberate 
on  the  subject,  in  the  extent  of  which  it  is  capable,  with  a  view 
to  adopt  the  system  of  policy  which  appears  to  it  most  wise 
and  just,  if  it  has  not  the  means  of  executing  it.  To  lead  to  a 
sound  decision,  and  make  the  result  a  happy  one,  it  is  necessary 
that  the  field  of  practicable  expedients  be  opened  to  its  election 
on  the  widest  possible  scale. 

Under  this  view  of  the  subject,  I  shall  be  happy  to  be  advised 
by  you  whether  a  tract  of  land  in  the  Western  territory  of  the 
United  States  can  be  procured  for  this  purpose,  in  what  quarter, 
and  on  what  terms  ?  And,  also,  whether  a  friendly  Power  will 
permit  us  to  remove  such  persons  within  its  limits,  with  like 
precision  as  to  the  place  and  conditions  ?  It  is  possible  a 
friendly  Power  may  be  disposed  to  promote  a  population  of  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION  65 

kind  referred  to,  and  willing  to  facilitate  the  measure  by  co- 
operating with  us  in  the  accomplishment  of  it.  It  may  be  con- 
venient for  you  to  sound  such  Powers,  especially  those  more 
immediately  in  our  neighbourhood,  on  the  subject,  in  all  the 
views  which  may  appear  to  you  to  be  suitable. 

You  will  perceive  that  I  invite  your  attention  to  a  subject  of 
great  delicacy  and  importance,  one  which,  in  a  peculiar  degree, 
involves  the  future  peace,  tranquillity,  and  happiness,  of  the 
good  people  of  this  Commonwealth.  I  do  it,  however,  in  a 
confidence  that  you  will  take  that  interest  in  it  which  we  are 
taught  to  expect  from  your  conduct  through  life,  which  gives 
you  so  many  high  claims  to  our  regard. 

With  great  respect,  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JAMES  MONROE. 
Thomas  Jefferson, 

President  of  the  United  States, 

From  this  letter  of  Mr.  Monroe,  it  does  appear,  that  the  im- 
mediate occasion  of  adopting  the  foregoing  resolution,  in  the 
secret  session  of  the  House  of  Delegates,  was  a  recent  alarming 
conspiracy  of  the  negroes,  in  the  city  of  Richmond  itself,  in 
which  two  black  preachers  of  the  Baptist  denomination  were 
the  leaders.  So  many  persons  were  more  or  less  involved  in 
this  conspiracy,  which  had  nearly  come  to  maturity,  that  it 
seemed  desirable  to  the  Legislature  to  have  some  territory  at 
their  command,  whither  such  as  were  not  principals  in  the  con- 
spiracy might  be  sent,  instead  of  inflicting  capital  punishment 
on  so  many.  Whether  any  ulterior  views  were  entertained  by 
the  House  in  regard  to  the  free  people  of  colour,  in  general,  or 
even  looking  distantly  to  the  removal  of  the  slave  population  at 
a  future  time,  does  not  appear.  Mr.  Monroe  does,  indeed,  ap- 
pear to  have  extended  his  views  thus  far ;  as  part  of  his  letter 
is  taken  up  in  deploring  the  evil  of  slavery,  which  had  in  their 
colonial  state  been  inflicted  on  them.  Mr.  Jeflerson's  answer 
to  Mr.  Monroe's  letter  is  dated  November  24,  1801,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. 

WashingtOxX,  November  24, 1801. 

Dear  Sir:  I  had  not  been  unmindful  of  your  letter  of  June 
15th,  covering  a  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
Virginia,  and  referred  to  in  yours  of  the  17th  instant.  The  im- 
portance of  the  subject,  and  the  belief  that  it  gave  us  time  for 
consideration  till  the  next  meeting  of  the  Legislature,  have  in- 
6* 


66  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

duced  me  to  defer  the  answer  to  this  date.  You  will  perceive 
that  some  circumstances  connected  with  the  subject,  and  neces- 
sarily presenting  themselves  to  view,  would  be  improper  but 
for  your  and  the  legislative  ear.  Their  publication  might  have 
an  ill  effect  in  more  than  one  quarter ;  in  confidence  of  attention 
to  this,  I  shall  indulge  greater  freedom  in  writing. 

Common  malefactors,  I  presume,  make  no  part  of  the  object 
of  that  resolution.  Neither  their  numbers,  nor  the  nature  of 
their  offences,  seem  to  require  any  provisions  beyond  those 
practised  heretofore,  and  found  adequate  to  the  repression  of 
ordinary  crimes.  Conspiracy,  insurgency,  treason,  rebellion, 
among  that  description  of  persons  who  brought  on  us  the  alarm, 
and  on  themselves  the  tragedy  of  ISOO,  were  doubtless  within 
the  view  of  every  one;  but  many,  perhaps,  comtemplated,and 
one  expression  of  the  resolution  might  comprehend,  a  much 
larger  scope.  Respect  to  both  opinions  makes  it  my  duty  to 
understand  the  resolution  in  all  the  extents  of  which  it  is  sus- 
ceptible. 

The  idea  seems  to  be,  to  provide  for  these  people  by  a  pur- 
chase of  land  ;  and  it  is  asked  whether  such  a  purchase  can  be 
made  of  the  United  States,  in  their  Western  territory?  A  very 
great  extent  of  country  north  of  the  Ohio  has  been  laid  off  into 
townships,  and  is  now  at  market,  according  to  the  provisions  of 
the  acts  of  Congress,  with  which  you  are  acquainted.  There  is 
nothing  which  would  restrain  the  state  of  Virginia,  either  in 
the  purchase  or  the  application  of  these  lands ;  but  a  purchase 
by  the  acre  might,  perhaps,  be  a  more  expensive  provision  than 
the  House  of  Representatives  contemplated.  Questions  would 
also  arise,  whether  the  establishment  of  such  a  colony  within 
our  limits,  and  to  become  a  part  of  our  Union,  would  be  desira- 
ble to  the  State  of  Virginia  itself,  or  to  the  other  States,  espe- 
cially those  who  would  be  in  its  vicinity? 

Could  we  procure  lands  beyond  the  limits  of  the  United 
States,  to  form  a  receptacle  for  these  people  ?  On  our  North- 
ern boundary  the  country  not  occupied  by  British  subjects  is 
the  property  of  Indian  nations,  whose  titles  would  be  to  be  ex- 
tinguished, with  the  consent  of  Great  Britain ;  and  the  new  set- 
tlers would  be  British  subjects.  It  is  hardly  to  be  believed  that 
either  Great  Britain  or  the  Indian  proprietors  have  so  disin- 
terested a  regard  for  us  as  to  be  willing  to  relieve  us  by  receiv- 
ing such  a  colony  themselves  5  and  as  much  is  it  to  be  doubted 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  67 

whether  that  race  of  men  could  long  exist  in  so  rigorous  a  cli- 
mate. On  our  Western  and  Southern  frontiers  Spain  holds  an 
immense  country;  the  occupancy  of  which,  however,  is  in  the 
Indian  natives,  except  a  few  insulated  spots  possessed  by  Span- 
ish subjects.  It  is  very  questionable,  indeed,  whether  the  In- 
dians would  sell — whether  Spain  would  be  willing  to  receive 
these  people — and  nearly  certain  that  she  would  not  alienate 
the  sovereignty.  The  same  question  to  ourselves  would  recur 
here  also  as  did  in  the  first  case:  Should  we  be  willing  to  have 
such  a  colony  in  contact  with  us?  However  our  precedent  in- 
terests may  restrain  us  within  our  own  limits,  it  is  impossible 
not  to  look  forward  to  distant  times,  when  our  rapid  multipli- 
cation will  expand  itself  beyond  those  limits,  and  cover  the 
whole  Northern,  if  not  the  Southern  continent,  with  a  people 
speaking  the  same  language,  governed  in  similar  forms  and  by 
similar  laws.  Nor  can  we  contemplate  with  satisfaction  either 
blot  or  mixture  in  that  surface.  Spain,  France,  and  Portugal, 
hold  possessions  on  the  Southern  continent,  as  to  which  I  am 
not  well  enough  informed  to  say  how  far  they  might  meet  our 
views.  But  either  there  or  in  the  Northern  continent,  should 
the  constituted  authorities  of  Virginia  fix  their  attention  of  pre- 
ference, I  will  have  the  dispositions  of  those  Powers  sounded 
in  the  first  instance. 

The  West  Indies  offer  a  more  probable  and  practicable  retreat 
for  them.  Inhabited  already  by  a  people  of  their  own  race  and 
colour — climates  congenial  with  their  natural  constitution,  insu- 
lated from  the  other  descriptions  of  men — nature  seems  to  have 
formed  these  islands  to  become  the  receptacles  of  the  blacks 
transplanted  into  this  hemisphere.  Whether  we  could  obtain 
from  the  European  sovereigns  of  those  islands  leave  to  send 
thither  the  persons  under  contemplation,  I  cannot  say;  but  I 
think  it  more  probable  than  the  former  proposition,  because  of 
their  being  already  inhabited  more  or  less  by  the  same  race. 
The  most  promising  portion  of  them  is  the  island  of  St.  Domin- 
go, where  the  blacks  are  established  into  a  sovereignty  de 
facto,  and  have  organized  themselves  under  regular  laws  and 
government.  I  should  conjecture  that  their  present  ruler  might 
be  willing  on  many  considerations  to  receive  even  that  descrip- 
tion which  would  be  exiled  for  acts  deemed  criminal  by  us,  but 
meritorious  perhaps  by  him.  The  possibility  that  these  exiles 
might  stimulate  and  conduct  vindictive  or  predatory  descents 


68  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

on  our  coast,  and  facilitate  concert  with  their  brethren  remain- 
ing here,  looks  to  a  state  of  things  between  that  island  and  ns 
not  probable,  on  a  contemplation  of  our  relative  strength,  and 
of  the  disproportion  daily  growing ;  and  it  is  overweighed  by 
the  humanity  of  the  measures  proposed,  and  the  advantages 
of  disembarrassing  ourselves  of  such  dangerous  characters. 
Africa  would  offer  a  last  and  undoubted  resort,  if  all  others 
more  desirable  should  fail  us.  Whenever  the  Legislature  of 
Virginia  shall  have  brought  its  mind  to  a  point,  so  that  I  may 
know  exactly  what  to  propose  to  foreign  authorities,  I  will  exe- 
cute their  wishes  with  fidelity  and  zeal.  I  hope,  however, 
they  will  pardon  me  for  suggesting  a  single  question  for  their 
own  consideration.  When  we  contemplate  the  variety  of 
countries  and  of  sovereigns  towards  which  we  may  direct  our 
views,  the  vast  revolutions  and  changes  of  circumstances  which 
are  now  in  a  course  of  progression,  the  possibilities  that  arrange- 
ments now  to  be  made  with  a  view  to  any  particular  place  may 
at  no  great  distance  of  time  be  totally  deranged  by  a  change  of 
sovereignty,  of  government,  or  of  other  circumstances,  it  will 
be  for  the  Legislature  to  consider  whether,  after  they  shall  have 
made  all  those  general  provisions  which  may  be  fixed  by  legis- 
lative authority,  it  would  be  reposing  too  much  confidence  in 
their  Executive  to  leave  the  place  of  relegation  to  be  decided 
on  by  them,  and  executed  with  the  aid  of  the  Federal  Execu- 
tive? They  could  accommodate  their  arrangements  to  the  ac- 
tual state  of  things  in  which  countries  or  powers  may  be  found 
to  exist  at  that  day,  and  may  prevent  the  effect  of  the  law  from 
being  defeated  by  intervening  changes.  This,  however,  is  for 
them  to  decide.     Our  duty  will  be  to  respect  their  decision. 

Accept  assurances,  &c. 

THOMAS  JEFFERSON. 
Governor  Monroe. 

From  this  letter  it  appears  that  Mr.  Jefferson  was  at  a  loss  to 
understand  the  full  meaning  and  extent  of  the  resolution;  but 
judged  it  best  to  allow  to  it  the  utmost  latitude  of  construction. 
His  objections  to  the  purchase  of  any  territory  within  the  limits 
of  the  United  States  were  judicious,  and  his  preference  of  the 
West  Indies,  especially  of  St.  Domingo,  seems  to  have  been 
fovmded  on  just  views. 

Upon  the  reception  of  Mr.  Jefferson's  letter,  Mr.  Monroe 
communicated  it  to  the  House  of  Delegates,  accompanied  with 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  69 

the  following  message,  evidently  intended  to  elicit  a  more  full 
expression  of  the  object  which  they  had  in  view,  in  their  first 
resolution.     The  message  is  as  follows: 

Richmond,  December  21, 1801. 

Sir:  I  have  the  pleasure  to  communicate  to  the  General  As- 
sembly a  copy  of  my  correspondence  with  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  in  compliance  with  the  resolution  of  31st  De- 
cember last,  relative  to  the  purchase  of  lands  without  the  limits 
of  the  State,  to  which  persons  obnoxious  to  its  laws  or  danger- 
ous to  the  peace  of  society  may  be  removed.  As  it  was  known 
that  the  United  States  had  lands  for  sale  in  the  territory  lying 
between  the  Ohio  and  iVIississippi,  a  proposition  to  make  the 
acquisition  by  purchase  conveyed  the  idea  of  a  preference  for  a 
tract  in  that  quarter;  but  as  such  preference  was  not  declared, 
and  a  liberal  construction  of  the  resolution  admitted  a  greater 
scope,  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  open  the  subject  in  that  light  to 
the  President.  His  reply  has  stated  fully  and  ably  the  objec- 
tions which  occur  to  such  an  establishment  within  the  limits  of 
the  United  States.  He  also  presents  to  view  all  the  other 
places,  on  the  continent  and  elsewhere,  which  furnish  alterna- 
tives, with  the  advantages  attending  each,  and  assures  us  of  the 
promptitude  that  he  will  cooperate  in  carrying  into  effect  what- 
ever plan  the  Legislature  may  adopt  in  reference  to  the  object 
contemplated.  It  remains,  therefore,  for  the  General  Assembly 
to  explain  more  fully  the  description  of  persons  who  are  to  be 
thus  transported,  and  the  place  to  which  it  is  disposed  to  give 
the  preference.  As  soon  as  its  sense  is  declared  on  these  points, 
I  shall  hasten  to  communicate  the  same  to  the  President,  and 
shall  not  fail  to  lay  the  result  before  you  at  your  next  session. 
It  is  proper  to  add,  that  it  is  the  wish  of  the  President  that  the 
communication  be  considered  as  confidential. 

I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect  and  esteem,  your  very  humble 
servant, 

JAMES  MONROE. 

This  led  to  the  following  explanation  by  the  House  of  Dele- 
gates, passed  January  16,  1802,  and  agreed  to  by  the  Senate, 
January  23,  1802. 

In  the  House  of  Delegates,  Saturday ,  January  16,  1802. 

The  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth,  by  their  resolution 
of  December  last,  having  authorized  the  Governor  to  corres- 


70  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

pond  with  the  President  of  the  United  States  relative  to  the 
purchase  of  lands  without  the  hmits  of  this  State,  to  which  per- 
sons obnoxious  to  the  laws  or  dangerous  to  the  peace  of  society 
might  be  removed,  from  which  general  expressions  a  difference 
of  construction  has  prevailed,  to  reconcile  which,  recourse  must 
be  had  to  the  actual  state  of  things  which  produced  the  resolu- 
tion; therefore,  resolved,  that,  as  the  resolution  was  not  intend- 
ed to  embrace  offenders  for  ordinary  crimes,  to  which  the  laws 
have  been  found  equal,  but  only  those  for  conspiracy,  insur- 
gency, treason,  and  rebellion,  among  those  particular  persons 
who  produced  the  alarm  in  this  State  in  the  fall  of  1800,  the 
Governor  be  requested,  in  carrying  the  said  resolution  into 
effect  upon  the  construction  here  given,  to  request  the  President 
of  the  United  States,  in  procuring  the  lands,  to  prefer  the  conti- 
nent of  Africa,  or  any  of  the  Spanish  or  Portuguese  settlements 
in  South  America. 

Resolved,  also,  that  the  Governor  be  requested  to  correspond 
with  the  President  of  the  United  States,  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  a  place  without  the  limits  of  the  same,  to  which  free 
negroes  or  mulattoes,  and  such  negroes  or  mulattoes  as  may  be 
emancipated,  may  be  sent  or  choose  to  remove  as  a  place  of 
asylum;  and  that  it  is  not  the  wish  of  the  Legislature  to  obtain, 
on  behalf  of  those  who  may  remove  or  be  sent  thither,  the 
sovereignty  of  such  place.  Resolved,  also,  that  the  Governor 
lay  before  the  next  General  Assembly  the  result  of  his  commu- 
nication, to  be  subject  to  their  control. 

WILLIAM  WIRT,  C.  H.  D. 

January  23,  1802. — Agreed  to  by  the  Senate. 

H.  BROOKE,  C.  S. 

A  copy. — Test  : 

JAMES  PLEASANTS,  Jr.  C.  H.  D. 

Whatever  might  have  been  the  views  of  the  preceding  Legis- 
lature, the  present  House  of  Delegates  appear  to  have  contem- 
plated the  acquisition  of  a  territory  to  which  all  free  negroes, 
who  should  be  willing,  might  be  sent;  and  they  also  extended 
their  views  to  such  free  negroes,  and  mulattoes  as  might  here- 
after be  emancipated.  They  seem  also  to  have  abandoned  the 
idea  of  a  colony  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States,  and  ex- 
pressed their  preference  to  the  continent  of  Africa,  or  to  some 
place  in  South  America.     Their  objection  to  the  West  Indies, 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  71 

and  especially  to  St.  Domingo,  though  not  expressed,  is  obvious. 
That  island  was  too  near  to  the  United  States. 

Here  the  matter  seems  to  have  rested,  until  the  year  1804, 
when  Mr.  Jefferson  addressed  a  letter  to  Mr.  Page,  the  then 
governor  of  Virginia,  in  which  he  himself  relinquishes  the  idea 
of  St.  Domingo,  and  speaks  of  the  territory  of  Louisiana,  just 
purchased  by  the  American  government.  The  letter  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

Washington,  December  27,  1804. 

Dear  Sir:  Resuming  the  subject  of  the  resolutions  of  the 
House  of  Delegates  of  December  31st,  1800,  January  16th, 
1802,  and  February  3d,  1804, 1  have  it  not  in  my  power  to  say 
that  any  change  of  circumstances  has  taken  place  which  enables 
me  yet  to  propose  any  specific  asylum  for  the  persons  who  are 
the  subjects  of  our  correspondence.  The  island  of  St.  Domingo, 
our  nearest  and  most  convenient  recourse,  is  too  unsettled  in  the 
conditions  of  its  existence  to  be  looked  to  as  yet  for  any  per- 
manent arrangements;  and  the  European  nations  have  terri- 
tories in  the  same  quarter,  and  possess  the  same  kind  of  popu- 
lation. Whether  the  inhabitants  of  our  late  acquisition  beyond 
the  Mississippi,  or  the  National  Legislature,  would  consent  that 
a  portion  of  that  country  should  be  set  apart  for  the  persons 
contemplated,  is  not  within  my  competence  to  say. 

My  last  information  as  to  Sierra  Leone  is,  that  the  company 
was  proposing  to  deliver  up  their  colony  to  their  Government. 
Should  this  take  place,  it  might  furnish  occasion  for  another 
eftbrt  to  procure  an  incorporation  of  ours  into  it.  An  attack 
during  the  war  has  done  the  settlement  considerable  injury. 

I  beg  you  to  be  assured  that,  having  the  object  of  the  House 
of  Delegates  sincerely  at  heart,  I  will  keep  it  under  my  constant 
attention,  and  omit  no  occasion  which  may  occur  of  giving  it 
effect. 

Accept  my  afiectionate  salutations,  and  assurances  of  great 
respect  and  consideration. 

THOMAS  JEFFERSON. 

Governor  Page. 

This  letter  led  to  the  following  resolution  of  the  House  of 
Delegates,  dated  December  3,  1804,  and  agreed  to  by  the  Sen- 
ate, January  22,  1805. 

General  Assembly  begun  and  held  at  the  Capitol  in  the  city 
of  Richmond,  Virginia,  on  Monday  the  third  day  of  December, 


73  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  four, 
and  of  the  Commonwealth  the  twenty-ninth: 

Resolved,  That  the  Senators  of  this  State  in  the  Congress  of 
the  United  States  be  instructed,  and  the  Representatives  be  re- 
quested, to  exert  their  best  efforts  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining 
from  the  General  Government  a  competent  portion  of  territory, 
in  the  country  of  Louisiana,  to  be  appropriated  to  the  residence 
of  such  people  of  colour  as  have  been  or  shall  be  emancipated 
in  Virginia,  or  may  hereafter  become  dangerous  to  the  public 
safety:  Pro?jz(/ec?,  That  no  contract  or  arrangement  respecting 
such  territory  shall  be  obligatory  on  this  Commonwealth  until 

ratified  by  the  Legislature. 

H.  HOLMES, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Delegates. 

Agreed  to  January  22d,  1805. 

C.  TAYLOR, 

Speaker  of  the  Senate. 

A  copy. — Test: 

JAMES  PLEASANTS,  Jr.,  C.  H.  D. 

On  the  suggestion  contained  in  Mr.  Jefferson's  letter,  the 
Legislature  had  their  attention  entirely  turned  to  a  portion  of 
the  vacant  territory  of  Louisiana.  And  as  their  resolution  con- 
tained instructions  to  the  senators  in  Congress,  and  a  request  to 
the  representatives  of  the  State,  to  endeavour  to  procure  such  a 
territory,  it  was  sent  by  Governor  Page  to  them,  accompanied 
by  the  following  note,  viz. 

Richmond,  February  2,  1805. 

Gentlemen  :  I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  a  resolution  of 
the  General  Assembly,  for  an  explanation  of  which  I  beg  leave 
to  refer  you  to  the  copies  of  letters  which  passed  between  the 
President  of  the  United  States  and  Governor  Monroe,  and  to 
one  written  by  the  President  to  me,  and  by  this  mail  transmit- 
ted to  our  Senators  in  Congress;  but,  for  more  satisfactory  in- 
formation, I  would  refer  you  to  the  President  himself,  to  whom 
I  shall  apologize  for  requesting  you  to  trouble  him  on  this  oc- 
casion ;  but  1  know  that  he  will  with  pleasure  give  you  all  the 
information  you  may  require.  From  the  nature  of  the  delicate 
business  contemplated  in  the  resolution,  you  will  see  the  pro- 
priety of  its  being  considered  confidential. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  PAGE. 

The  Representatives /rojrt  Virginia  in  Congress. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  1^ 

To  render  our  history  complete,  it  is  proper  to  mention  here, 
that  Ann  Mifflin,  no  doubt  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  had  con- 
ceived the  plan  of  a  colony  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  and 
through  a  Mr.  Lynd,  applied  to  Mr.  Jefferson  for  his  opinion, 
respecting  the  practicability  of  such  an  enterprise.  Mr.  Jeffer- 
son's answer  is  interesting,  and  contains  several  important 
items  of  information,  no  where  else  to  be  found.  The  letter  is 
as  follows. 

MoNTicELLo,  January  21,  1811. 

Sir:  You  have  asked  my  opinion  on  the  proposition  of  Ann 
;Mifflui,to  take  measures  for  procuring  on  the  coast  of  Africa  an 
establishment  to  which  the  people  of  colour  of  these  States 
might,  from  time  to  time,  be  colonized,  under  the  auspices  of 
different  governments.  Having  long  ago  made  up  my  mind 
on  this  subject,  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  I  have  ever 
thought  that  the  most  desirable  measure  which  could  be 
adopted  for  gradually  drawing  off  this  part  of  our  popula- 
tion— most  advantageous  for  themselves  as  well  as  for  us. 
Going  from  a  country  possessing  all  the  useful  arts,  they  might 
be  the  means  of  transplanting  them  among  the  inhabitants  of 
Africa;  and  would  thus  carry  back  to  the  country  of  their 
origin  the  seeds  of  civilization,  which  might  render  their  so- 
journment here  a  blessing  in  the  end  to  that  country. 

I  received,  in  the  last  year  of  my  entering  into  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  general  government,  a  letter  from  the  Governor 
of  Virginia,  consulting  me,  at  the  request  of  the  Legislature  of 
the  State,  on  the  means  of  procuring  some  such  asylum,  to 
which  these  people  might  be  occasionally  sent.  I  proposed  to 
him  the  estabHshment  of  Sierra  Leone,  in  which  a  private  com- 
pany in  England  had  ah-eady  colonized  a  number  of  negroes, 
and  particularly  the  fugitives  from  these  States  during  the  revo- 
lutionary war;  and  at  the  same  time  suggested,  if  that  could 
not  be  obtained,  some  of  the  Portuguese  possessions  in  Soutli 
America  as  most  desirable. 

The  subsequent  Legislature  approving  these  ideas,  I  wrote 
the  ensuing  year  (1802)  to  Mr.  King,  our  minister  in  London, 
to  endeavour  to  negotiate  with  the  Sierra  Leone  company,  and 
induce  them  to  receive  such  of  these  people  as  might  be  colon- 
ized thither.     He  opened  a  correspondence  with  Mr.  W 

and  Mr.  Thornton,  secretary  of  the  company,  on  the  subject ; 
and,  in  1803,  I  received,  through  Mr.  King,  the  result;  which 


74  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

was  that  the  colony  was  going  on  in  but  a  languishing  condi- 
tion; that  the  funds  of  the  company  were  likely  to  fail,  as  they 
received  no  return  of  profit  to  keep  them  up;  that  they  were 
then  in  treaty  with  the  government  to  take  the  establishment 
off  their  hands;  but  that  in  no  event  should  they  be  willing  to 
receive  more  of  these  people  from  the  United  States,  as  it  was 
that  portion  of  settlers  who  had  gone  from  the  United  States, 
who,  by  their  idleness  and  turbulence,  had  kept  the  settlement 
in  constant  danger  of  dissolution,  which  could  not  have  been 
prevented,  but  for  the  aid  of  the  Maroon  negroes  from  the 
West  Indies,  who  were  more  industrious  and  orderly  than  the 
others,  and  supported  the  authority  of  the  government  and  its 
laws. 

I  think  I  learned  afterwards  that  the  British  government  had 
taken  the  colony  into  their  own  hands,  and  I  believe  it  still 
exists. 

The  effort  which  I  made  with  Portugal,  to  obtain  an  estab- 
lishment from  them,  within  their  colonies  in  South  America, 
proved  also  abortive. 

You  inquired,  further,  "whether  I  would  use  my  endeavours 
to  procure  such  an  establishment,  secure  against  violence  from 
other  powers,  and  particularly  the  French."  Certainly,  I 
shall  be  willing  to  do  any  thing  I  can  to  give  it  effect  and 
safety. 

But  I  am  but  a  private  individual,  and  could  only  use  en- 
deavours with  individuals  ;  whereas  the  National  Government 
can  address  themselves  at  once  to  those  of  Europe,  to  obtain 
the  desired  security,  and  will  unquestionably  be  ready  to  exert 
its  influence  with  those  nations  to  effect  an  object  so  benevo- 
lent in  itself,  and  so  important  to  a  great  portion  of  its  constitu- 
ents; indeed,  nothing  is  more  to  be  wished  than  that  the 
United  States  would  themselves  undertake  to  make  such  an 
establishment  on  the  coast  of  Jlfrica. 

Exclusive  of  motives  of  humanity,  the  commercial  advan- 
tages to  be  derived  from  it  might  defray  all  its  exj^enses;  but 
for  this  the  national  mind  is  not  prepared.  It  may,  perhaps,  be 
doubted  whether  many  of  these  people  would  voluntarily  con- 
sent to  such  an  exchange  of  situation,  and  but  few  of  those  who 
are  advanced  to  a  certain  age  in  habits  of  slavery  would  be 
capable  of  governing  themselves.  This  should  not,  however, 
discourage  the  experiment,  nor  the  early  trial  of  it.     And  pro- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  75 

positions  should  be  made,  with  all  the  prudent  caution  and 
attention  requisite  to  reconcile  it  to  the  interest,  the  safety,  and 
prejudice  of  all  parties. 

Accept  the  assurance  of  my  respect  and  esteem. 

THOMAS  JEFFERSON. 

This  letter  not  only  informs  us  of  the  efforts  made  by  Mr. 
Jefferson,  to  obtain  a  suitable  territory  for  the  colonization  of 
the  free  people  of  colour,  but  also  gives  us  to  understand  the 
deep  interest  which  he  felt  in  the  subject,  and  his  readiness  to 
cooperate  with  the  Legislature  of  his  native  State,  in  carrying 
their  views  into  full  effect. 

All  the  proceedings  of  the  Legislature  of  Virginia  were  in 
secret  sessions;  and  their  attempts  to  acquire  a  suitable  territory 
for  a  colony  having  failed,  nothing  further  was  done  until  the 
year  1816,  when  Charles  Fenton  Mercer,  Esq.,  having  become 
a  member  of  the  Virginia  Legislature,  heard,  by  mere  accident, 
of  the  secret  resolutions  which  had  been  passed  at  a  former 
session,  and  having  satisfied  himself  of  their  nature,  by  refer- 
ence to  the  recorded  minutes  of  the  House,  resolved  to  bring 
up  the  subject  anew.  But  as  we  have  Mr.  Mercer's  own  ac- 
count of  this  matter  in  a  speech  delivered  at  a  public  dinner 
given  to  him  in  Charleston,  Kenhawa  county,  we  will  give  it 
in  his  own  words. 

Having  been  complimented,  among  other  things,  on  account 
of  the  part  which  he  had  taken  in  forming  the  Colonization 
Society,  he  replied  as  follows: 

"With  respect  to  the  first  of  them,  (the  secret  resolutions,) 
I  can  truly  say,  that  the  intelligence  broke  in  upon  me  like  a 
ray  of  light  through  the  profoundest  gloom,  and  by  a  mere 
accident  which  occurred  in  the  spring  of  1816,  that  upon  two 
several  occasions,  very  early  in  the  present  century,  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  of  Virginia  had  invited  the  aid  of  the  United 
States  to  obtain  a  territory,  beyond  their  limits,  whereon  to 
colonize  certain  portions  of  our  coloured  population.  For  the 
evidence  of  these  facts,  then  new  to  me,  I  was  referred  to  the 
clerk  of  the  Senate,  by  the  friend  who  revealed  them,  and  in 
the  private  records  of  that  body  I  found  them  verified. 

"  It  was  then  too  near  the  close  of  the  session  of  the  Legis- 
lature to  attempt  immediate  action  on  the  subject;  but  in  a  few 
weeks  after  this,  I  concerted  with  Francis  S.  Key,  of  George- 
town, and  Elias  B.  Caldwell,  of  Washington,  in  the  District  of 


76  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Columbia,  a  plan  for  doing  so  ;  and  bound  to  no  concealment 
myself,  though  the  facts  which  had  been  disclosed  to  me  were 
from  the  secret  journals  of  the  Senate,  I  made  them  publicly 
known  in  several  States,  as  well  as  through  our  own,  on  my 
way  to  the  North  during  the  ensuing  summer,  receiving  every 
where  promises  of  pecuniary  aid,  and  of  active  cooperation, 
provided,  as  I  announced  it  to  be  my  intention,  I  renewed  a 
similar  proposition  at  the  next  session  of  our  General  Assembly. 

"Accordingly,  in  December  181 6,  prior  to  the  organization  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society,  but  with  a  view  to  its  ap- 
proaching formation,  of  which  I  was  apprised  by  Mr.  Key,  I 
presented  to  the  House  of  Delegates  a  resolution  which  stands 
recorded  on  its  journal,  asking  the  aid  of  the  general  govern- 
ment, to  procure  in  Africa  or  elsewhere,  beyond  the  limits  of 
the  United  States,  a  territory  on  which  to  colonize  our  free 
people  of  colour  who  might  be  disposed  to  avail  themselves  of 
such  an  asylum,  and  such  of  our  slaves  as  their  masters  might 
please  to  emancipate.  This  resolution  passed  the  House  of 
Delegates  with  but  nine,  and  the  Senate  with  but  one,  dissent- 
ing voice.  It  was  discussed  and  adopted  in  secret  session,  but 
the  injunction  of  secrecy  was  taken  off  at  the  instance  of  the 
mover.  The  American  Colonization  Society  was  formed  in  the 
city  of  Washington  early  in  the  ensuing  month  of  January." 

The  following  were  the  resolutions  proposed  by  General 
Mercer,  and  adopted  by  the  Legislature  of  Virginia. 

"Whereas,  the  General  Assembly  of  Virginia  have  repeatedly 
sought  to  obtain  an  asylum  beyond  the  limits  of  the  United 
States,  for  such  persons  of  colour  as  have  been,  or  may  be, 
emancipated  under  the  laws  of  this  commonwealth,  but  have 
hitherto  found  all  their  efforts  frustrated,  either  by  the  disturbed 
state  of  other  nations,  or  domestic  causes  equally  unpropitious 
to  its  success ; 

"  They  now  avail  themselves  of  a  period  when  peace  has 
healed  the  wounds  of  Immanity,  and  the  principal  nations  of 
Europe  have  concurred  with  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  in  abolishing  the  African  Slave  Trade,  (a  traffic  which 
this  commonwealth, both  before  and  since  the  Revolution,  zeal- 
ously sought  to  exterminate,)  to  renew  this  effort.     Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  be  requested  to  correspond 
with  the  President  of  the  United  States,  for  the  purpose  of  ob- 
taining a  territory  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  or  at  some  other 
place,  not  within  any  of  the  States,  or  territorial  government  of 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  77 

the  United  States,  to  serve  for  an  asylum  of  such  persons  of 
colour  as  are  now  free,  and  may  desire  the  same  ;  and  for  those 
who  may  hereafter  be  emancipated  within  this  commonwealth, 
and  that  the  Senators  and  Representatives  of  this  State  in  the 
Congress  of  the  United  States,  be  requested  to  exert  their  best 
efforts  to  aid  the  President  of  the  United  States  in  the  attain- 
ment of  the  above  objects; 

'■'■Provided,  That  no  contract  or  arrangement,  respecting  such 
territory,  shall  be  obligatory  on  this  commonwealth  until  ratified 
by  the  Legislature. 

"After  organizing  in  my  immediate  neighbourhood  several 
auxiliary  societies,  at  the  request  of  the  managers  of  the  parent 
society  in  "Washington,  I  repaired  to  the  city  of  Baltimore, 
where,  by  sundry  addresses  to  the  people,  in  one  of  which  I 
was  sustained  by  Francis  S.  Key,  and  by  personal  applications 
to  the  citizens,  in  which  I  was  accompanied  from  place  to  place 
for  many  days  by  Robert  Purviance,  we  succeeded  in  obtaining 
a  subscription  of  near  ^5000,  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the 
expedition  of  Messrs.  Mills  and  Burgess,  to  explore  the  coast 
of  Africa  in  order  to  select  a  suitable  place  for  the  proposed 
colony.  At  the  same  time  Bishop  Mead,  of  Virginia,  was 
alike  active  and  successful  in  procuring  pecuniary  aid  for  the 
same  object  in  the  opulent  and  liberal  society  in  Frederick, 
Virginia,  of  which  he  was  then  the  pastor." 

As  these  resolutions  contain  the  very  principles  on  which  the 
Colonization  Society  was  formed,  and  were  prior,  in  time,  to  the 
formation  of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  it  might,  at  first 
view,  seem  that  the  honour  of  being  the  father  of  the  enterprise 
of  right  belonged  to  this  gentleman,  especially  as  it  is  more 
than  probable  that  Dr.  Finley,  the  brother-in-law  of  Elias  B. 
Caldwell,  Esq.,  had  heard,  during  the  summer  of  1816,  of  what 
had  been  secretly  transacted  in  the  General  Assembly  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  of  Mr.  Mercer's  intention  again  to  bring  the  subject 
before  that  body  at  the  earliest  opportunity.  The  truth,  how- 
ever, is,  that  Dr.  Finley  had  the  condition  of  the  free  people  of 
colour  on  his  mind  early  in  the  year  1815 ;  for  we  find  a  letter 
from  him  addressed  to  John  0.  Mumford,  Esq.  of  the  city  of 
New  York,  dated  February  15,  1815,  of  which  the  following 
is  an  extract : 

"  Dear  Sir — The  longer  I  live  to  see  the  wretchedness  of 
men,  the  more  I  admire  the  virtue  of  those  who  desire,  and 


73  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

with  patience  labour,  to  execute  plans  for  the  reUef  of  the 
wretched.  On  this  subject  the  state  of  the  free  blacks  has  very 
much  occupied  my  mind.  Their  number  increases  greatly,  and 
their  wretchedness,  as  appears  to  me.  Every  thing  connected 
with  their  condition,  including  their  colour,  is  against  them. 
Nor  is  there  much  prospect  that  their  state  can  ever  be  greatly 
meliorated  while  they  shall  continue  among  us.  Could  not  the 
rich  and  benevolent  devise  means  to  form  a  colony  on  some 
part  of  the  coast  of  Africa,  similar  to  that  of  Sierra  Leone, 
which  might  gradually  induce  many  free  blacks  to  go  and  settle, 
devising  for  them  the  means  of  getting  there,  and  protection 
and  support  until  they  were  established  ?  Could  they  be  sent 
back  to  Africa,  a  threefold  benefit  would  arise.  We  should  be 
clear  of  them — we  should  send  to  Africa  a  population  partly 
civilized  and  christianized,  for  its  benefit  —  and  our  blacks 
themselves  would  be  put  in  a  better  situation.  Think  much  on 
this  subject,  and  then  write  me  when  you  have  leisure." 

From  the  above  letter,  it  is  manifest  that  Dr.  Finley  had  the 
scheme  of  a  colony  of  free  blacks  on  the  western  coast  of 
Africa  fully  in  his  mind  more  than  a  year  before  Mr.  Mercer 
knew  any  thing  about  the  secret  resolutions  of  the  Virginia 
Legislature. 

As  the  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Finley  must  ever  hold  a  conspicuous 
place  in  the  history  of  African  colonization,  whatever  may  be 
tlie  result  of  the  enterprise,  it  cannot  but  be  gratifying  to  the 
reader  to  know  some  particulars  respecting  him.  Dr.  Finley 
was  a  native  of  the  borough  of  Princeton,  New  Jersey,  to 
which  place  his  parents  had  come  from  Scotland,  in  company 
with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Witherspoon,  who  was  called  to  preside  over 
the  College  of  New  Jersey,  situated  in  that  place.  His  parents 
were  pious  and  respectable,  but  poor.  Their  son  giving  evidence 
of  good  capacity,  was  put  to  learning,  and  received  his  whole 
education  under  the  tuition  of  Dr.  Witherspoon  and  Dr.  S.  S. 
Smith.  He  was  graduated  when  very  young,  and  after  spend- 
ing some  time  as  tutor  in  the  New  Jersey  College,  he  turned  his 
attention  to  theology,  and  put  himself  on  trial  as  a  candidate 
for  the  ministry,  under  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  by 
which  he  was,  in  due  course,  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel. 
Soon  after  his  licensure  he  received  a  call  to  settle  in  the  con- 
gregation of  Basking  Ridge,  in  Morris  county.  New  Jersey. 
Being  convinced  that  his  usefulness  would  be  promoted  by  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  79 

institution  of  a  classical  academy  in  this  healthy  place,  he  at 
once  engaged  in  the  enterprise,  and  was,  in  an  eminent  degree 
successful  as  a  teacher  of  youth.  His  academy  became  cele- 
brated through  the  country,  and  a  number  of  the  most  eminent 
men  in  New  Jersey,  both  in  church  and  state,  laid  the  founda- 
tion of  their  eminence  in  the  thorough  training  which  they 
received  in  this  school.  And  its  beneficial  influence  was  not 
confined  to  the  State,  for  many  from  other  and  distant  parts  of 
the  country  resorted  to  the  Basking  Ridge  Academy.  Neither 
was  he  negligent  of  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  flock  com- 
mitted to  his  pastoral  care.  He  was  an  able,  evangelical,  and 
uncommonly  successful  preacher,  and  under  his  ministry  a  large 
number  was  gathered  into  his  church.  Indeed,  no  man  seemed 
to  be  actuated  by  a  warmer  zeal  for  the  advancement  of  reli- 
gion and  the  conversion  of  souls  than  Dr.  Finley,  and  his 
preaching  was  of  that  popular  and  impressive  kind,  which  is 
calculated  to  be  generally  profitable,  as  well  as  popular. 

Some  time  before  he  commenced  the  plan  of  a  colony  for  the 
free  blacks  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  his  mind  appeared  to  be 
much  excited  and  deeply  impressed  with  the  importance  of 
devising  and  carrying  into  execution  some  benevolent  enter- 
prise. To  a  friend  in  Princeton,  still  living,  he  said  one  day, 
with  ardent  and  strong  emotion,  "that  when  he  considered 
what  many  others  had  effected  for  the  benefit  of  their  suffering 
fellow  creatures  before  they  had  reached  his  age,  he  was  hum- 
bled and  mortified  to  think  how  little  he  had  done,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  expressed  a  strong  determination  to  engage  in  some 
benevolent  enterprise  which  might  tell  upon  the  welfare  of  his 
fellow  creatures."  Not  many  months  afterwards,  meeting  with 
the  same  friend,  he  disclosed  to  him  the  plan  of  a  colony  of 
free  blacks  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  and  from  this  time 
seemed  to  have  his  mind  completely  occupied  with  the  scheme, 
which  he  took  every  opportunity  of  proposing  to  his  friends, 
endeavouring  to  show  that  the  enterprise  was  not  only  good  in 
itself,  but  practicable.  All  seemed  to  admit  that  the  design 
was  good,  both  as  it  related  to  the  free  negroes,  and  to  the  dark 
continent  of  Africa;  but  few  of  them  could  be  persuaded  that 
there  was  any  probability  that  such  a  scheme  could  be  carried 
into  effect,  and  although  they  did  not  oppose  it,  they  did  not  at 
once  enter  very  zealously  into  his  views.  But  his  purpose  was 
fixed,  and  nothing  could  dissuade  him  from  making  the  attempt. 


80  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

And  accordingly  lie  began  to  take  measures  to  have  a  coloniza- 
tion society  formed.  The  first  public  meeting  which  ever  took 
place  to  consider  the  subject  of  African  colonization  in  this 
country,  was  held  in  the  Presbyterian  church  in  the  borough  of 
Princeton.  It  was  called  by  Dr.  Finley,  when  he  explained  to 
a  small  assemblage  the  plan  of  the  society  which  he  wished  to 
be  formed,  and  called  on  the  writer  to  address  the  people.  He 
made  some  observations  on  the  object  aimed  at.  The  meeting 
was  siTiall,  but  in  the  number  of  attendants  were  most  of  the 
professors  of  the  College  and  of  the  Theological  Seminary.  It 
was  apparent  that  the  interest  of  those  to  whom  the  scheme 
was  made  known  was  increased  the  longer  they  thought 
upon  it. 


CHAPTER  V. 

PROCEEDINGS  AT  WASHINGTON. 

Dr.  Finley,  having  matured  his  plan  for  colonizing  the  free 
people  of  colour  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  proceeded  to 
the  city  of  Washington,  when  congress  was  in  session,  and 
having  consulted  with  liis  friends,  particularly  with  Elias  B. 
Caldwell  and  Francis  S.  Key,  Esqs.,  who  entered  with  all  their 
heart  into  his  scheme,  it  was  thought  expedient  to  call  a  public 
meeting,  and  particularly  to  invite  some  of  the  most  distin- 
guished men  then  in  Washington  to  attend.  Accordingly,  on 
the  21st  day  of  December,  1S16,  the  Hon.  Henry  Clay  was 
called  to  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Dougherty  acted  as 
Secretary. 

Mr.  Clay,  on  taking  the  chair,  made  an  address,  of  which 
the  following  is  the  substance  as  reported  for  the  National  In- 
telligencer. After  expressing  his  regret  that  Judge  Washington 
was  not  present  to  preside,  lie  said,  "  He  understood  the  object 
of  the  present  meeting  to  be,  to  consider  of  the  propriety  and 
practicability  of  colonizing  the  free  people  of  colour  in  the 
United  States,  and  of  forming  an  association  in  relation  to  that 
object.     That  class  of  the  mixed  population  of  our  country 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN  COLONIZATION.    '  81 

was  peculiarly  situated.  They  neither  enjoyed  the  immunities 
of  freemen,  nor  were  they  subject  to  the  incapacities  of  slaves, 
but  partook  in  some  degree  of  the  qualities  of  both.  From 
their  condition,  and  the  unconquerable  prejudices  resulting  from 
their  colour,  they  never  could  amalgamate  with  the  free  whites 
of  this  country.  It  was  desirable,  therefore,  both  as  it  respected 
them  and  the  residue  of  the  population  of  the  country,  to  draw 
them  off.  Various  schemes  of  colonization  had  been  thought  of, 
and  a  part  of  our  own  continent,  it  was  thought  by  some,  might 
furnish  a  suitable  establishment  for  them,  but  for  his  part  he 
had  a  decided  preference  for  some  part  of  the  coast  of  Africa. 
There  ample  provision  might  be  made  for  the  colony  itself,  and 
it  might  be  rendered  instrumental  to  the  introduction,  into  that 
extensive  quarter  of  the  globe,  of  the  arts,  civilization  and 
Christianity.  There  was  a  peculiar,  a  moral  fitness  in  restoring 
them  to  the  land  of  their  fathers.  And  if,  instead  of  the  evils 
and  sufferings  which  we  have  been  the  innocent  cause  of 
inflicting  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Africa,  we  can  transmit  to 
her  the  blessings  of  our  arts,  our  civilization,  and  our  religion, 
may  we  not  hope  that  America  will  extinguish  a  great  portion 
of  that  moral  debt  which  she  has  contracted  to  that  unfortunate 
continent?  We  should  derive  much  encouragement  in  the 
prosecution  of  the  object  which  had  assembled  us  together,  by 
the  success  which  had  attended  the  colony  at  Sierra  Leone. 
That  establishment  had  commenced  about  twenty  or  twenty-five 
years  ago,  under  the  patronage  of  private  individuals  in  Great 
Britain.  The  basis  of  the  population  of  the  colony  consisted 
of  the  fugitive  slaves  of  the  Southern  States,  during  the  revolu- 
tionary war,  who  had  first  been  carried  to  Nova  Scotia,  and 
who  afterwards,  about  the  year  1792,  upon  their  own  applica- 
tion, almost  in  mass,  had  been  transferred  to  the  western  coast 
of  Africa.  The  colony  after  struggling  with  the  most  unheard  of 
diffi.culties — difficulties  resulting  from  the  ignorance,  barbarity, 
and  prejudice  of  the  natives,  from  the  climate,  (which  were 
however,  found  to  be  not  at  all  insurmountable,)  from  wars, 
African  as  well  as  European,  and  such  as  are  incidental  to  all 
new  settlements,  had  made  a  gradual  and  steady  progress,  until 
it  has  acquired  a  strength  and  stability  which  promises  to  crown 
the  efforts  of  its  founders  with  complete  success.  We  have 
their  experience  before  us,  and  can  there  be  a  nobler  cause 
than  that  which,  while  it  proposes  to  rid  our  own  country  of  a 


82  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION. 

useless  and  pernicious,  if  not  a  dangerous  portion  of  its  popu- 
lation, contemplates  the  spreading  of  the  arts  of  civilized  life, 
and  the  possible  redemption  from  ignorance  and  barbarism  of 
a  benighted  portion  of  the  globe? 

"  It  was  proper  and  necessary  distinctly  to  state,  that  he  un- 
derstood it  constituted  no  part  of  the  object  of  this  meeting  to 
touch  or  agitate,  in  the  slightest  degree,  a  delicate  question  con- 
nected with  another  portion  of  the  coloured  population  of  our 
country.  IL  was  not  proposed  to  deliberate  on,  or  consider  at 
all,  any  question  of  emancipation,  or  that  was  connected  with 
the  abolition  of  slavery.  It  was  upon  that  condition  alone,  he 
was  sure,  that  many  gentlemen  from  the  south  and  west,  whom 
he  saw  present,  had  attended, or  could  be  expected  to  cooperate. 
It  was  upon  that  condition  only  that  he  himself  attended.  He 
would  only  further  add,  that  he  hoped  in  their  deliberations 
they  would  be  guided  by  that  moderation,  politeness,  and  defer- 
ence for  the  opinion  of  each  other  which  were  essential  to  any 
useful  result.  But  when  he  looked  around  and  saw  the  respecta- 
ble assemblage,  and  recollected  the  humane  and  benevolent 
purpose  which  had  produced  it,  he  felt  it  unnecessary  to  insist 
further  on  this  topic." 

As  soon  as  Mr.  Clay  had  ended  his  address,  Elias  B.  Cald- 
well, Esq.,  rose  and  spoke  as  follows: 

"  I  feel  peculiar  embarrassment  in  obtruding  myself  upon 
the  notice  of  so  large  and  respectable  a  meeting,  in  which  I 
find  some  of  the  most  distinguished  characters  of  our  country. 
I  ask  your  indulgence  in  offering  to  the  consideration  of  the 
meeting  the  resolutions  which  I  hold  in  my  hand,  and  to  a  few 
explanatory  observations.  The  objects  of  the  meeting  have 
been  feelingly  and  correctly  stated  by  the  honourable  chairman. 
The  subject  seems  to  be  divided  into — 

"1st.  The  expediency;  and,  2dly,  the  practicability  of  the 
proposed  plan. 

"  The  expediency  of  colonizing  the  free  people  of  colour  in 
the  United  States,  may  be  considered  in  reference  to  its  influ- 
ence on  our  civil  institutions,  on  the  morals  and  habits  of  the 
people,  and  on  the  future  happiness  of  the  free  people  of  colour. 
It  has  been  a  subject  of  luiceasing  regret  and  anxious  solicitude 
among  many  of  our  best  patriots  and  wisest  statesmen,  from 
the  first  establishment  of  our  independence,  that  this  class  of 
people  should  remain  a  monument  of  reproach  to  those  sacred 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  S3 

principles  of  civil  liberty  which  constitute  the  foundations  of  all 
our  constitutions.  We  say  in  the  Declaration  of  Independence, 
"that  all  men  are  created  equal,"  and  have  certain  "unaliena- 
ble rights."  Yet  it  is  considered  impossible,  consistently  with 
the  safety  of  the  State,  and  it  is  certainly  impossible  with  the 
present  feelings  towards  these  people,  that  they  can  ever  be 
placed  upon  this  equality,  or  admitted  to  the  enjoyment  of 
these  "inalienable  rights"  while  they  remain  mixed  with  us. 
Some  persons  may  declaim  and  call  it  prejudice.  No  matter. 
Prejudice  is  as  powerful  a  motive,  and  will  as  certainly  exclude 
them  as  the  soundest  reason.  Others  may  say  they  are  free 
enough.  If  this  is  a  matter  of  opinion  let  them  judge — if  of 
reason,  let  it  be  decided  by  our  repeated  and  solemn  declara- 
tions in  all  our  public  acts.  This  state  of  society  unquestiona- 
bly tends,  in  various  ways,  to  injure  the  morals  and  destroy  the 
habits  of  industry  among  our  people.  This  will  be  acknow- 
ledged by  every  person  who  has  paid  any  attention  to  the  sub- 
ject, and  it  seems  to  be  so  generally  admitted  that  it  would 
promote  the  happiness  of  the  people,  and  the  interest  of  the 
people,  to  provide  a  place  where  these  people  might  be  settled 
by  themselves,  that  it  is  unnecessary  to  dwell  on  this  branch  of 
the  subject. 

"As  to  the  blacks,  it  is  manifest  that  their  interest  and  happi- 
ness would  be  promoted  by  collecting  them  together  where  they 
would  enjoy  equal  rights  and  privileges  with  those  around 
them.  A  state  of  degradation  is  necessarily  a  state  of  unhap- 
piness.  It  debases  the  mind,  it  damps  the  energies  of  the  soul, 
and  represses  every  vigorous  effort  towards  moral  or  intellectual 
greatness.  How  can  you  expect  from  them  any  thing  great  or 
noble  without  the  motives  to  stimulate,  or  the  rewards  to  crown 
great  and  noble  achievements?  It  not  only  prevents  their 
climbing  the  steep  and  rugged  paths  of  fame,  but  it  prevents 
the  enjoyment  of  the  true  happiness  of  calm  contentment, 
satisfied  with  enjoying  but  a  part  of  what  we  possess,  of  using 
only  a  portion  of  what  is  in  our  power.  Take  away,  however, 
the  portion  that  is  not  used,  and  it  immediately  becomes  the 
object  of  our  fondest  desires.  The  more  you  endeavour  to 
improve  the  condition  of  these  people,  the  more  you  cultivate 
their  minds,  (unless  by  religious  instruction,)  the  more  misera- 
ble you  make  them  in  their  present  state.  You  give  them  a 
higher  relish  for  those  privileges  which  they  can  never  attain, 


84  HISTORY    OP  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

and  turn  what  we  intend  for  a  blessing  into  a  curse.  No,  if 
they  must  remain  in  their  present  situation,  keep  them  in  the 
lowest  state  of  degradation  and  ignorance.  The  nearer  you 
bring  them  to  the  condition  of  brutes  the  better  chance  do  you 
give  them  of  possessing  their  apathy.  Surely,  Americans  ought 
to  be  the  last  people  on  earth  to  advocate  such  slavish  doctrines, 
to  cry  peace  and  contentment  to  those  who  are  deprived  of  the 
privileges  of  civil  liberty.  They  who  have  so  largely  partaken 
of  its  blessings,  who  know  so  well  how  to  estimate  its  value, 
ought  to  be  the  foremost  to  extend  it  to  others. 

"  I  will  consider  the  practicability  of  colonization  under  three 
heads  :  The  territory — the  expense — and  the  probability  of 
obtaining  their  consent. 

"  1.  The  territory.  Various  plans  have  been  mentioned  by 
different  persons.  A  situation  within  our  own  territory  would 
certainly  possess  some  considerable  advantage.  It  would  be 
more  immediately  under  the  eye  and  control  of  our  own 
government.  But  there  are  some  real  and  some  apprehended 
evils  to  encounter.  Many  apprehend  that  they  might  hereafter 
join  the  Indians,  or  the  nations  bordering  on  our  frontiers  in 
case  of  war,  if  they  were  placed  so  near  us — that  the  colony 
would  become  the  asylum  of  fugitives  and  runaway  slaves. 
Added  to  these  difficulties  there  are  inveterate  prejudices  against 
such  a  plan  in  so  large  a  portion  of  the  country,  which  would 
be  impossible  to  overcome  or  remove.  Upon  mature  reflection, 
with  all  the  light  that  has  yet  been  shed  upon  the  subject,  I 
believe  it  will  be  found  that  Africa  will  be  liable  to  the  fewest 
objections.  A  territory  might,  no  doubt,  be  procured  there; 
the  climate  is  best  adapted  to  their  constitutions,  and  they  could 
live  cheaper.  But,  Mr.  Chairman,  I  have  a  greater  and  nobler 
object  in  view  in  desiring  them  to  be  placed  in  Africa.  It  is 
the  belief  that  through  them  civilization  and  the  Christian  reli- 
gion would  be  introduced  into  that  benighted  quarter  of  the 
world.  It  is  the  hope  of  redeeming  many  millions  of  people 
from  the  lowest  state  of  superstition  and  ignorance,  and  re- 
storing them  to  the  knowledge  and  worship  of  the  true  God. 
Great  and  powerful  as  are  the  other  motives  to  this  measure, 
(and  I  acknowledge  them  to  be  of  sufficient  magnitude  to 
attract  the  attention  and  to  call  forth  the  united  efforts  of  this 
nation.)  in  my  opinion,  and  you  will  find  it  the  opinion  of  a 
large  class  of  the  community,  all  other  motives  are  small  and 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  S5 

trifling  compared  with  the  hope  of  spreading  among  them  the 
knowledge  of  the  gospel.  From  the  importance  of  this  view 
of  the  subject  permit  me  to  enlarge  a  little  upon  it.  Whatever 
maybe  the  difference  of  opinion  among  the  different  denomina- 
tions of  Christians,  I  believe  they  will  all  be  found  to  unite  in 
the  belief  that  the  Scriptures  predict  a  time  when  the  gospel  of 
Jesus  Christ  shall  be  spread  over  every  part  of  the  world;  shall 
be  acknowledged  by  every  nation,  and  perhaps  shall  influence 
every  heart.  The  opinion  is,  perhaps,  as  general,  that  this 
glorious  and  happy  day  is  near  at  hand.  The  great  movements 
and  mighty  efforts  in  the  moral  and  religious  world  seem  to 
indicate  some  great  design  of  Providence  on  the  eve  of  accom- 
plishment. The  unexampled  and  astonishing  success  attending 
the  various  and  numerous  plans  which  have  been  devised  and 
which  are  now  in  operation  in  different  parts  of  the  world,  and 
the  union  and  harmony  with  which  Christians  of  different 
denominations  unite  in  promoting  these  plans,  clearly  indicate 
a  divine  hand  in  their  direction.  Nay,  sir,  the  subject  on  which 
we  are  now  deliberating  has  been  brought  to  public  view 
nearly  at  the  same  time  in  different  parts  of  our  country.  In 
New  Jersey,  New  York,  Indiana,  Tennessee,  Virginia,  and 
perhaps  other  places  not  known  to  me,  the  public  attention 
seems  to  have  been  awakened  as  from  a  slumber  to  this  sub- 
ject. The  belief  that  I  have  mentioned,  leads  Christians  to  look 
with  anxious  solicitude  and  joyful  hope  to  every  movement 
which  they  believe  to  be  instrumental  in  accomplishhig  the 
great  designs  of  Providence.  They  will  receive  your  proposal 
with  joy,  and  support  it  with  zeal;  and  permit  me  to  say,  that 
it  will  be  of  no  small  consequence  to  gain  the  zealous  support 
and  cooperation  of  this  portion  of  the  community. 

"On  the  subject  of  expense  I  should  hope  there  would  not  be 
much  difference  of  opinion.  All  are  interested,  though  some 
portions  of  the  community  are  more  immediately  so  than  others. 
We  should  consider  that  what  affects  a  part  of  our  country  is 
interesting  to  the  whole.  Besides,  it  is  a  great  national  object, 
and  ought  to  be  supported  by  a  national  purse.  And,  as  has 
been  justly  observed  by  the  honourable  gentleman  in  the  chair, 
there  ought  to  be  a  national  atonement  for  the  wrongs  and 
injuries  which  Africa  has  suffered.  For  although  the  State 
Legislatures  commenced  early  after  our  independence  to  put  a 
stop  to  the  slave  trade,  and  the  National  Government  interfered 
S 


86  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

as  soon  as  the  constitution  would  permit,  yet  as  a  nation,  we 
cannot  rid  ourselves  entirely  from  the  guilt  and  disgrace  attend- 
ing that  iniquitous  traffic,  until  we,  as  a  nation,  have  made 
every  reparation  in  our  power.  If,  however,  more  funds  are 
wanting  than  is  thought  expedient  to  appropriate  out  of  the 
public  treasury,  the  liberality  and  humanity  of  our  citizens  will 
not  suffer  it  to  fail  for  want  of  pecuniary  aid.  I  should  be 
sorry,  however,  to  see  our  government  dividing  any  part  of  the 
glory  and  honour  which  cannot  fail  of  attending  the  accom- 
plishment of  a  work  so  great,  so  interesting,  and  which  will 
tend  so  much  to  diffuse  the  blessings  of  civil  liberty,  and  pro- 
mote the  happiness  of  man. 

"  Among  the  objections  which  have  been  made,  I  must  con- 
fess that  I  am  most  surprised  at  one  which  seems  to  be  preva- 
lent, to  wit,  that  these  people  will  be  unwilling  to  be  colonized. 
What,  sir,  are  they  not  men  ?  Will  they  not  be  actuated  by 
the  same  motives  of  interest  and  ambition  which  influence 
other  men  ?  Or,  will  they  prefer  remaining  in  a  hopeless  state 
of  degradation  for  themselves  and  their  children,  to  the  pros- 
pect of  the  full  enjoyment  of  their  civil  rights  and  a  state  of 
equality  ?  What  brought  our  ancestors  to  these  shores  ?  They 
had  no  friendly  hand  to  lead  them,  no  powerful  human  arm  to 
protect  them.  They  left  the  land  of  their  nativity,  the  sepul- 
chres of  their  fathers,  the  comforts  of  civilized  society,  and  all 
the  endearments  of  friends  and  relatives,  and  early  associations, 
to  traverse  the  ocean,  to  clear  the  forests,  to  encounter  all  the 
hardships  of  a  new  settlement,  and  to  brave  the  dangers  of  the 
tomahawk  and  scalping  knife.  How  many  were  destroyed  ! 
Sometimes  whole  settlements  cut  off  by  disease  and  hunger,  by 
the  treachery  and  cruelty  of  the  savages ;  yet  were  they  not 
discouraged.  What  is  it  impels  many  Europeans  daily  to  seek 
our  shores,  and  to  sell  themselves  for  the  prime  of  their  life  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  their  passages  ?  It  is  that  ruling,  im- 
perious desire,  planted  in  the  breast  of  every  man,  the  desire  of 
liberty,  of  standing  upon  an  equality  vvtth  his  fellow  men.  If 
we  were  to  add  to  these  motives  the  offer  of  land,  and  to  aid 
in  the  expense  of  emigration  and  of  first  settling,  they  cannot 
be  so  blind  to  their  own  interest,  so  devoid  of  every  generous 
and  noble  feeling,  as  to  hesitate  about  accepting  of  the  offer. 
It  is  not  a  matter  of  speculation  and  opinion  only.  It  has  been 
satisfactorily  ascertained  that  numbers  will  gladly  accept  of  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  87 

invitation.  And  when  once  the  colony  is  formed,  and  flourish- 
ing, all  other  obstacles  will  be  easily  removed.  It  is  for  us  to 
make  the  experiment  and  the  offer;  we  shall  then,  and  not  till 
then,  have  discharged  our  duty.  It  is  a  plan  in  which  all  in- 
terests, all  classes  and  descriptions  of  people  may  unite,  in 
which  all  discordant  feelings  may  be  lost  in  those  of  humanity, 
in  promoting  '  peace  on  earth  and  good  will  to  men.' " 

When  Mr.  Caldwell  had  concluded,  the  honourable  John 
Randolph  of  Roanoke,  rose  and  said,  that  it  had  been  properly 
observed  by  the  chairman,  that  there  was  nothing  in  the  propo- 
sition submitted  to  consideration  which,  in  the  smallest  degree, 
touched  another  very  important  and  delicate  question,  which 
ought  to  be  left  as  much  out  of  view  as  possible.  But  it  ap- 
peared to  him  that  it  had  not  been  sufficiently  insisted  on,  with 
a  view  to  obtain  the  cooperation  of  all  the  citizens  of  the 
United  States,  not  only  that  this  meeting  does  not  in  any  wise 
affect  the  question  of  negro  slavery,  but  as  far  as  it  goes,  must 
materially  tend  to  secure  the  property  of  every  master  in  the 
United  States  over  his  slaves.  It  appeared  to  him  that  this 
aspect  of  the  question,  had  not  been  sufficiently  presented  to 
the  public  view.  It  was  a  notorious  fact,  that  the  existence  of 
this  mixed  and  intermediate  population  of  free  negroes  was 
viewed  by  every  slave-holder  as  one  of  the  greatest  sources  of 
the  insecurity  and  unprofitableness  of  slave  property;  that  they 
serve  to  excite  in  their  fellow  beings  a  feeling  of  discontent,  of 
repining  at  their  situation,  and  that  they  act  as  channels  of 
communication,  not  only  between  different  slaves,  but  between 
(he  slaves  of  different  districts ;  that  they  are  the  depositaries 
of  stolen  goods,  and  the  promoters  of  mischief.  In  a  worldly 
point  of  view  then,  without  entering  into  the  general  question, 
and  apart  from  those  higher  and  nobler  motives  which  had 
been  presented  to  the  meeting,  the  owners  of  slaves  were  inter- 
ested in  providing  a  retreat  for  this  part  of  our  population. 
There  was  no  fear  that  this  proposition  would  alarm  them; 
they  had  been  accustomed  to  think  seriously  of  the  subject. 
There  was  a  popular  work  on  agriculture,  by  John  Taylor  of 
Caroline  county,  which  was  widely  circulated,  and  much  con- 
fided in,  in  Virginia.  In  that  book,  much  read,  because  coming 
from  a  practical  man,  this  description  of  people  was  pointed  out 
as  a  great  evil.  If  a  place  could  be  provided  for  their  recep- 
tion, and  a  mode  of  sending  them  hence,  there  were  hundreds, 


88  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

nay  thousands  of  citizens,  who  would  by  manumitting  their 
slaves,  relieve  themselves  from  the  cares  attendant  on  their  pos- 
session. 

Mr.  Robert  Wright,  of  INIaryland,  said  that  he  could  not 
withhold  his  approbation  of  a  measure  that  had  for  its  object 
the  melioration  of  the  lot  of  any  portion  of  the  human  race, 
particularly  of  the  free  people  of  colour,  whose  degraded  state 
robs  them  of  the  happiness  of  self-government,  so  dear  to  the 
American  people.  "And,  said  he,  as  I  discover  the  most  deli- 
cate regard  to  the  rights  of  property,  I  shall,  with  great  plea- 
sure, lend  my  aid  to  restore  this  unfortunate  people  to  the  en- 
joyment of  their  liberty;  but  I  fear  gentlemen  are  too  sanguine 
in  their  expectations,  that  they  would  be  willing  to  abandon 
the  land  of  their  nativity,  so  dear  to  man.  However,  I  have 
the  disposition  to  give  them  that  election,  by  furnishing  all  the 
means  contemplated.  But  while  we  wish  to  promote  the 
happiness  of  these  free  people  of  colour,  we  ought  to  take  care 
not  to  furnish  the  means  of  transporting  out  of  the  reach  of  the 
master  his  property." 

Mt.  Caldwell  offered  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions, 
which  were  unanimously  adopted. 

"  The  situation  of  the  free  people  of  colour  in  the  United 
States,  has  been  the  subject  of  anxious  solicitude  with  many 
of  our  most  distinguished  citizens,  from  the  first  existence 
of  our  country  as  an  independent  nation :  but  the  great  diffi- 
culty and  embarrassment  attending  the  establishment  of  an 
infant  nation,  when  first  struggling  into  existence,  and  the  sub- 
sequent convulsions  of  Europe,  have  hitherto  prevented  any 
great  national  effort  to  provide  a  remedy  for  the  evils  existing 
or  apprehended.  The  present  period  seems  peculiarly  auspi- 
cious to  invite  attention  to  this  important  subject,  and  gives  a 
well  grounded  hope  of  success.  The  nations  of  Europe  are 
hushed  into  peace  ;  unexampled  efforts  are  making  in  various 
parts  of  the  world  to  diffuse  knowledge,  civilization,  and  the 
benign  influence  of  the  Christian  religion.  The  rights  of  man 
are  becoming  daily  better  understood;  the  legitimate  objects  of 
government,  as  founded  for  the  benefit  and  intended  for  the 
happiness  of  men,  are  more  generally  acknowledged,  and  an 
ardent  zeal  for  the  happiness  of  the  human  race  is  kindled  in 
almost  every  heart.  Desirous  of  aiding  in  the  great  cause  of 
philanthropy  and  of  promoting  the  happiness  and  prosperity 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  89 

of  our  country,  it  is  recommended  by  this  meeting  to  form  an 
association  or  society  for  the  purpose  of  giving  aid  and  assist- 
ing in  the  colonization  of  the  free  people  of  colour  in  the  United 
States, — Therefore 

Resolved,  That  an  association  or  society  be  formed  for  the 
purpose  of  collecting  information,  and  to  assist  in  the  forma- 
tion and  execution  of  a  plan  for  the  colonization  of  the  free 
people  of  colour  with  their  consent,  in  Africa  or  elsewhere,  as 
may  be  thought  most  advisable  by  the  constituted  authorities 
of  the  country. 

Resolved,  That  Elias  B.  Caldwell,  John  Randolph,  Richard 
Rush,  Walter  Jones,  Francis  S.  Key,  Robert  Wright,  James 
H.  Blake,  and  John  Peter,  be  a  committee  to  present  a  respect- 
ful memorial  to  Congress,  requesting  them  to  adopt  such  mea- 
sures as  may  be  thought  most  advisable,  for  procuring  a  territory 
in  Africa  or  elsewhere,  suitable  for  the  colonization  of  the  free 
people  of  colour. 

Resolved,  That  Francis  S.  Key,  Bushrod  Washington,  Elias 
B.  Caldwell,  James  Breckenridge,  Walter  Jones,  Richard 
Rush,  and  William  G.  D,  Worthington,  be  a  committee  to  pre- 
pare a  constitution  and  rules  for  the  government  of  the  asso- 
ciation or  society,  above  mentioned,  and  report  the  same  to  the 
next  meeting  for  consideration." 

The  meeting  now  adjourned  until  the  ensuing  Saturday, 
when  they  again  assembled  in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  United  States,  when  the  following  constitution 
was  presented  by  the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose, 
and  after  being  considered  was  unanimously  adopted. 

"Article  I. — This  society  shall  be  called,  'The  American 
Society  for  colonizing  the  free  people  of  colour  of  the  United 
States.' 

Article  II. — The  object  to  which  its  attention  is  to  be  exclu- 
sively directed,  is  to  promote  and  execute  a  plan  for  colonizing 
(with  their  consent,)  the  free  people  of  colour,  residing  in  our 
country,  in  Africa,  or  such  other  places  as  Congress  shall  deem 
most  expedient.  And  the  society  shall  act,  to  effect  this  object, 
in  cooperation  with  the  general  government,  and  such  of  the 
States  as  may  adopt  regulations  upon  the  subject. 

Article  III, — Every  citizen  of  the  United  States,  who  shall 
subscribe  these  articles,  and  be  an  annual  contributor  of  one 
dollar  to  the  funds  of  the  society,  shall  be  a  member.  On 
8* 


90  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

paying  a  sum  not  less  than  thirty  dollars,  at  one  subscription, 
lie  shall  be  a  member  for  life. 

Article  IV. — The  officers  of  this  society  shall  be,  a  Presi- 
dent, thirteen  Vice-Presidents,  a  Secretary,  a  Treasurer,  a  Re- 
corder, and  a  Board  of  Managers,  composed  of  the  above 
named  officers,  and  twelve  other  members  of  the  society.  They 
shall  be  annually  elected  by  the  members  of  the  society,  at  their 
annual  meeting  on  New  Year's  day,  (except  when  that  happens 
to  be  the  Sabbath,  and  then  the  next  day,)  and  continue  to 
discharge  their  respective  duties  till  others  are  appointed. 

Article  V. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  to  preside 
at  all  meetings  of  the  society,  and  of  the  Board  of  Managers, 
and  to  call  meetings  of  the  society,  and  of  the  Board,  when  he 
thinks  necessary,  or  when  requested  by  any  three  members  of 
the  Board. 

Article  VI. — The  Vice-Presidents,  according  to  seniority, 
shall  discharge  these  duties  in  the  absence  of  the  President. 

Article  VII. — The  Secretary  shall  take  minutes  of  the  pro- 
ceedings, prepare  and  publish  notices,  and  discharge  such  other 
duties  as  the  Board,  or  the  President,  or  in  his  absence  the  Vice- 
President,  according  to  seniority,  (when  the  Board  is  not  sit- 
ting) shall  direct.  And  the  Recorder  shall  record  the  proceed- 
ings and  the  names  of  the  members,  and  discharge  such  other 
duties  as  may  be  required  of  him. 

Article  VIII. — The  Treasurer  shall  receive  and  take  charge 
of  the  funds  of  the  society,  under  such  security  as  may  be 
prescribed  by  the  Board  of  JNIanagers ;  keep  the  accounts  and 
exhibit  a  statement  of  receipts  and  expenditures  at  every 
annual  meeting,  and  discharge  such  other  duties  as  may  be 
required  of  him. 

Article  IX. — The  Board  of  Managers  shall  meet  on  the  first 
Monday  in  January,  the  first  Monday  in  April,  the  first  Monday 
in  July,  and  the  first  Monday  in  October,  every  year,  and  at 
such  other  times  as  the  President  may  direct.  They  shall  con- 
duct the  business  of  the  society,  and  take  such  measures  for 
effecting  its  object  as  they  shall  think  proper,  or  shall  be  directed 
at  the  meetings  of  the  society,  and  make  an  annual  report  of 
their  proceedings.  They  shall  also  fill  up  all  vacancies  occur- 
ring during  the  year,  and  make  such  by-laws  for  their  govern- 
ment as  they  may  deem  necessary,  provided  the  same  are  not 
repugnant  to  this  constitution. 


HISTORY    or    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  91 

Article  X. — Every  society  which  shall  be  formed  in  the 
United  States  to  aid  in  the  object  of  this  association,  and 
which  shall  cooperate  with  its  funds  for  the  purposes  thereof, 
agreeably  to  the  rules  and  regulations  of  this  society,  shall  be 
considered  auxiliary  thereto,  and  its  officers  shall  be  entitled  to 
attend  and  vote  at  all  meetings  of  the  society,  and  of  the  Board 
of  JNIanagers." 

The  American  Colonization  Society  being  now  formed  by 
the  adoption  of  a  constitution,  held  its  first  meeting  on  the  first 
day  of  January  1817,  when  the  following  officers  were  chosen: 

President. — Hon.  Bushrod  Washington. 

Vice  Presidents. — Hon.  William  H.  Crawford,  of  Geor- 
gia, Hon.  Henry  Clay,  of  Kentucky,  Hon.  William  Phillips, 
of  Massachusetts,  Col.  Henry  Rutgers,  of  New  York,  Hon. 
John  E.  Howard,  Hon.  Samuel  Smith,  and  the  Hon.  John  C. 
Herbert,  of  Maryland,  John  Taylor,  Esq.,  of  Virginia,  General 
Andrew  Jackson,  of  Tennessee,  Robert  Ralston,  and  Richard 
Rush,  Esqs.,  of  Pennsylvania,  Gen.  John  Mason,  of  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia,  Rev.  Robert  Finley,  of  New  Jersey. 

Managers.  —  Francis  S.  Key,  Walter  Jones,  John  Laird, 
Rev.  Dr.  James  Laurie,  Rev.  Stephen  B.  Balch,  Rev.  Obadiah 
B.  Brown,  James  H,  Blake,  John  Peter,  Edmund  J.  Lee,  Wil- 
liam Thornton,  Jacob  Hoffman,  Henry  Carroll. 

Secretary. — Elias  B.  Caldwell. 

Recording  Secretary. — W.  G.  D.  Worthington. 

Treasurer. — David  English. 

It  was,  among  other  things,  resolved  by  this  meeting  of  the 
society,  "That  the  Board  of  Managers  be  instructed  and 
required,  to  present  a  memorial  to  Congress,  on  the  subject  of 
colonizing,  with  their  consent,  the  free  people  of  colour  of  the 
United  States,  in  Africa,  or  elsewhere." 

The  Board,  as  directed,  had  a  memorial  prepared  and  pre- 
.  sented  to  both  Houses  of  Congress,  of  which  the  following  is 
a  copy,  viz: 

memorial. 

The  memorial  of  the  President  and  Board  of  Managers  of  the  American  Society 
for  Colonizing  the  Free  People  of  Colour  of  the  United  States, 

Respectfully  Shows — That  your  memorialists  are  delegated 
by  a  numerous  and  highly  respectable  association  of  their  fel- 
low citizens,  recently  organized  at  the  seat  of  government,  to 
solicit  Congress  to  aid  with  the  power,  the  patronage,  and  the 


92  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

resources  of  the  country,  the  great  and  beneficial  object  of  their 
institution;  an  object  deenned  worthy  of  the  earnest  attention, 
and  of  the  strenuous  and  persevering  exertions,  as  well  of 
every  patriot,  in  whatever  condition  of  life,  as  of  every  enlight- 
ened, philanthropic,  and  practical  statesman. 

It  is  now  reduced  to  be  a  maxim,  equally  approved  in  phi- 
losophy and  practice,  that  the  existence  of  distinct  and  separate 
castes,  or  classes  forming  exceptions  to  the  general  system  of 
policy  adapted  to  the  community,  is  an  inherent  vice  in  the 
composition  of  society;  pregnant  with  baneful  consequences, 
both  moral  and  political,  and  demanding  the  utmost  exertion 
of  human  energy  and  foresight  to  remedy  or  remove  it.  If  this 
maxim  be  true  in  the  general,  it  applies  with  peculiar  force  to 
the  relative  condition  of  the  free  people  of  colour  in  the  United 
States,  between  whom  and  the  rest  of  the  community  a  com- 
bination of  causes,  political,  physical,  and  moral,  has  created 
distinctions,  unavoidable  in  their  origin,  and  most  unfortunate 
in  their  consequences.  The  actual  and  prospective  condition 
of  that  class  of  people,  their  anomalous  and  indefinite  relations 
to  the  political  institutions  and  social  ties  of  the  community, 
their  deprivation  of  most  of  those  independent,  poHtical,  and 
social  rights,  so  indispensable  to  the  progressive  melioration  of 
our  nature;  rendered,  by  systematic  exclusion  from  all  the 
higher  rewards  of  excellence,  dead  to  all  the  elevating  hopes 
that  might  prompt  a  generous  ambition  to  excel;  all  these  con- 
siderations demonstrate  that  it  equally  imports  the  public  good, 
and  the  individual  and  social  happiness  of  the  persons  more  im- 
mediately concerned;  that  it  is  equally  a  debt  of  patriotism  and 
of  humanity  to  provide  some  adequate  and  effectual  remedy. 
The  evil  has  become  so  apparent  and  the  necessity  for  a  reme- 
dy so  palpable,  that  some  of  the  most  considerable  of  the  slave 
holding  States  have  been  induced  to  impose  restraints  upon  the 
practice  of  emancipation,  by  annexing  conditions  which  have 
no  effect  but  to  transfer  the  evil  from  one  State  to  another,  or 
by  inducing  other  States  to  adopt  countervailing  regulations, 
end  in  the  total  abrogation  of  a  right,  which  benevolent  or  con- 
scientious proprietors  had  long  enjoyed  under  all  the  sanctions  of 
positive  law  and  ancient  usage.  Your  memorialists  beg  leave, 
with  all  deference,  to  present,  that  the  fairest  and  most  inviting 
opportunities  are  now  presented  to  the  general  government,  for 
repairing  a  great  evil  in  our  social  and  political  institutions, 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  93 

and  at  the  same  time  for  elevating,  from  a  low  and  hopeless 
condition,  a  numerous  and  rapidly  increasing  race  of  men,  who 
want  nothing  but  a  proper  theatre,  to  enter  upon  the  pursuit  of 
happiness  and  independence  in  the  ordinary  paths  which  a  be- 
nign Providence  has  left  open  to  the  human  race.  These  great 
ends,  it  is  conceived,  may  be  accomplished  by  making  adequate 
provisions  for  planting,  in  some  salubrious  and  fertile  region, 
a  colony  to  be  composed  of  such  of  the  above  description  of 
persons  as  may  choose  to  emigrate;  and  for  extending  to  it  the 
authority  and  protection  of  the  United  States,  until  it  shall  have 
attained  sufficient  strength  and  consistency  to  be  left  in  a  state 
of  independence. 

Independently  of  the  motives  derived  from  political  foresight 
and  civil  prudence  on  the  one  hand,  and  from  moral  justice 
and  philanthropy  on  the  other,  there  are  additional  considera- 
tions and  more  expanded  views  to  engage  the  sympathies  and 
excite  the  ardour  of  a  liberal  and  enlightened  people.  It  may 
be  reserved  for  our  government,  (the  first  to  denounce  an  in- 
human and  abominable  traffic,  in  the  guilt  and  disgrace  of 
which  most  of  the  civilized  nations  of  the  world  were  partak- 
ers,) to  become  the  honourable  instrument  under  divine  Provi- 
dence, of  conferring  a  still  higher  blessing  upon  the  large  and 
interesting  portion  of  mankind,  benefitted  by  that  deed  of  jus- 
tice, by  demonstrating  that  a  race  of  men,  composing  numerous 
tribes,  spread  over  a  continent  of  vast  and  unexplored  extent, 
fertility,  and  riches,  unknown  to  the  enlightened  nations  of  an- 
tiquity, and  who  had  yet  made  no  progress  in  the  refinements 
of  civilization,  for  whom  history  has  preserved  no  monuments 
of  arts  or  arms ;  that  even  this  hitherto  ill-fated  race  may  cher- 
ish the  hope  of  beholding  at  last  the  orient  star  revealing  the 
best  and  highest  aims  and  attributes  of  man.  Out  of  such 
materials  to  rear  the  glorious  edifice  of  well  ordered  and  polish- 
ed society,  upon  the  deep  and  sure  foundation  of  equal  laws 
and  diff'usive  education,  would  give  a  sufficient  title  to  be  en- 
rolled among  the  illustrious  benefactors  of  mankind,  whilst  it 
afi'orded  a  precious  and  consolatory  evidence  of  the  all-prevail- 
ing power  of  liberty,  enlightened  by  knowledge  and  corrected 
by  religion.  If  the  experiment,  in  its  more  remote  conse- 
quences, should  ultimately  tend  to  the  diffusion  of  similar 
blessings  through  those  vast  regions  and  unnumbered  tribes, 
yet  obscured  in  primeval  darkness,  reclaim  the  rude  wanderer, 


94  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

from  a  life  of  wretchedness,  to  civilization  and  humanity,  and 
convert  the  blind  idolater  from  gross  and  abject  superstitions,  to 
the  holy  charities,  the  sublime  morality  and  humanizing  disci- 
pline of  the  gospel;  the  nation  or  the  individual  that  shall  have 
taken  the  most  conspicuous  lead  in  achieving  the  enterprise, 
will  secure  imperishable  glory,  founded  in  the  moral  approba- 
tion and  gratitude  of  the  human  race,  unapproachable  to  all 
but  the  elected  instruments  of  Divine  beneficence — a  glory, 
with  which  the  most  splendid  achievements  of  human  force  or 
power  must  sink  in  the  competition,  and  appear  insignificant 
and  vulgar  in  the  comparison.  And  above  all,  should  it  be 
considered  that  the  nation  or  the  individual  whose  energies 
have  been  faithfully  given  to  this  august  work,  will  have 
secured,  by  this  exalted  beneficence,  the  favour  of  that  Being 
whose  compassion  is  over  all  his  works,  and  whose  unspeak- 
able rewards  will  never  fail  to  bless  the  humblest  efforts  to  do 
good  to  his  creatures. 

Your  memorialists  do  not  presume  to  determine,  that  the 
views  of  Congress  will  be  necessarily  directed  to  the  country  to 
which  they  have  just  alluded.  They  hope  to  be  excused  for 
intimating  some  of  the  reasons  which  would  bring  that  portion 
of  the  world  before  us,  when  engaged  in  discovering  a  place 
the  most  proper  to  be  selected,  leaving  it,  with  perfect  confi- 
dence, to  the  better  information  and  better  judgment  of  your 
honourable  body  to  make  the  choice. 

Your  memorialists,  without  presuming  to  mark  out,  in  detail, 
the  measures  which  it  may  be  proper  to  adopt  in  furtherance 
of  the  object  in  view;  but  implicitly  relying  upon  the  wisdom 
of  Congress  to  devise  the  most  effectual  measures,  will  only 
pray,  that  the  subject  may  be  recommended  to  their  serious 
consideration,  and  that,  as  an  humble  auxiliary  in  this  great 
work,  the  association,  represented  by  your  memorialists,  may 
be  permitted  to  aspire  to  the  hope  of  contributing  to  its  labours 
and  resources."  • 

In  the  House  of  Representatives,  the  memorial  was  referred 
to  a  respectable  committee,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Pickering, 
Comstock,  Condict,  Tucker,  Taggart,  Cilley,  and  Hooks,  who 
brought  in  the  following  report. 

"  The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  memorial  of  the 
President  and  Board  of  Managers  of  the  '  American  Society 
for  colonizing  the  free  people  of  colour  of  the  United  States,' 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  95 

have  had  the  same  under  their  deliberate  consideration.  The 
subject  is  of  such  magnitude,  and  attended  with  so  many  diffi- 
culties, it  is  with  much  diffidence  they  present  their  views  of  it 
to  the  House. 

Were  it  simply  a  question  of  founding  a  colony,  numerous 
and  well  known  precedents  show  with  what  facility  the  work 
might  be  accomplished.  Every  new  territory  established  by 
our  government,  constitutes,  indeed,  a  colony,  formed  with 
great  ease;  because  it  is  only  an  extension  of  homogeneous 
settlements.  But  in  contemplating  the  colonization  of  the  free 
people  of  colour,  it  seemed  obviously  necessary  to  take  a  differ- 
ent course.  Their  distinct  character  and  relative  condition, 
render  an  entire  separation  from  our  own  states  and  territories 
indispensable.  And  the  separation  must  be  such  as  to  admit 
of  an  indefinite  continuance.  Hence  it  seems  manifest  that 
these  people  cannot  be  colonized  within  the  limits  of  the  United 
States.  If  they  were  not  far  distant,  the  rapidly  extending 
settlements  of  our  white  population  would  soon  reach  them, 
and  the  evil  now  felt  would  be  renewed,  probably  with  aggra- 
vated mischief.  Were  the  colony  to  be  remote,  it  must  be 
planted  on  lands  now  occupied  by  the  native  tribes  of  the 
country.  And  could  a  territory  be  purchased,  the  transporting 
of  the  colonists  thither,  would  be  vastly  expensive,  their  sub- 
sistence for  a  time  difficult,  and  a  body  of  troops  would  be 
required  for  their  protection.  And  after  all,  should  these  diffi- 
culties be  overcome,  the  original  evil  would  at  length  recur,  by 
the  extension  of  our  white  population.  In  the  meantime, 
should  the  colony  so  increase  as  to  become  a  nation,  it  is  not 
difficult  to  foresee  the  quarrels  and  destructive  wars  which 
would  ensue,  especially  if  the  slavery  of  people  of  colour 
should  continue,  and  accompany  the  whites  in  their  migrations. 

Turning  our  eyes  from  our  own  country,  no  other,  adapted 
to  the  colony  in  contemplation,  presented  itself  to  our  view, 
nearer  than  Africa,  the  native  land  of  negroes ;  and  probably 
that  is  the  only  country  on  the  globe  to  which  it  would  be 
practicable  to  transfer  our  free  people  of  colour  with  safety, 
and  advantage  to  themselves  and  the  civilized  world.  It  is  the 
country  which,  in  the  order  of  Providence,  seems  to  have  been 
appropriated  to  that  distinct  family  of  mankind.  And  while  it 
presents  the  fittest  asylum  for  the  free  people  of  colour,  it  opens 
a  wide  field  for  their  improvement  in  civilization,  morals  and 


96  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

religion,  which  the  humane  and  enUghtened  memoriahsts  have 
conceived  it  possible,  in  process  of  time,  to  spread  on  that 
great  continent. 

Should  the  measure  suggested  be  approved,  an  important 
question  occurs — In  what  way  shall  its  execution  be  essayed? 
A  preUminary  step  would  be  to  provide  for  the  perfect  neu- 
trality of  the  colony,  by  the  explicit  assent  and  engagement  of 
all  the  civilized  powers,  whatever  dissentions  may  at  any  time 
arise  among  themselves. 

The  next  important  question  is.  Will  it  be  expedient  to 
attempt  the  establishment  of  a  new  colony  in  Africa,  or  to 
make  to  Great  Britain  a  proposal  to  receive  the  emigrants  from 
the  United  States  into  her  colony  at  Sierra  Leone? 

At  Sierra  Leone  the  first  difficulties  have  been  surmounted, 
and  a  few  free  people  of  colour  from  the  United  States  have 
been  admitted.  A  gradual  addition  from  the  same  source  (and 
such  would  be  the  natural  progress,)  would  occasion  no  embar- 
rassment, either  in  regard  to  their  sustenance  or  government. 
Would  the  British  government  consent  to  receive  such  an 
accession  of  emigrants,  however  eventually  considerable,  from 
the  United  States?  Would  that  government  agree,  that  at  the 
period  when  that  colony  shall  be  capable  of  self-government 
and  self-protection,  it  shall  be  declared  independent?  In  the 
meantime,  will  it  desire  to  monopolize  the  commerce  of  the 
colony?  This  would  be  injurious  to  the  colonists,  as  well 
as  to  the  United  States.  Should  that  country,  from  the  nature 
of  its  soil,  and  other  circumstances,  hold  out  sufficent  al- 
lurements, and  draw  to  it,  from  the  United  States,  the  great 
body  of  the  free  people  of  colour,  these  would  form  its  strength, 
and  its  ability  to  render  its  commerce  an  object  of  considera- 
tion. Now,  as  the  great  and  permanent  benefit  of  colonists 
was  the  fundamental  principle  of  the  establishment,  will  the 
British  government  decline  a  proposition  calculated  to  give  to 
that  benefit  the  important  extension  which  will  arise  from  a 
freedom  of  commerce?  To  those,  at  least,  at  whose  expense 
and  by  whose  means  the  colony  shall  be  essentially  extended? 
Should  an  agreement  with  Great  Britain  be  effected,  no  further 
negotiation,  nor  any  extraordinary  expenditure  of  money,  will 
be  required.  The  work  already  commenced  will  be  continued 
— simply  that  of  carrying  to  Sierra  Leone  all  who  are  willing 
to  embark. 


HISTORT    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  97 

It  would  seem  highly  desirable  to  confine  the  migrations  to 
a  single  colony.  The  two  distinct  and  independent  colonies, 
established  and  protected  by  two  independent  powers,  would 
naturally  imbibe  the  spirit  and  distinctions  of  their  patrons  and 
protectors,  and  put  in  jeopardy  the  peace  and  prosperity  of 
both.  Even  the  simple  fact  of  separate  independence,  would 
eventually  tend  to  produce  collisions  and  wars  between  the 
two  establishments,  (unless  indeed  these  were  far  removed 
from  each  other,)  and  perhaps  defeat  the  further  humane  and 
exalted  views  of  those  who  projected  them.  The  spirit  which 
animated  the  founders  of  the  colony  of  Sierra  Leone,  would  be 
exerted  to  effect  a  union  of  design,  and  the  cordial  cooperation 
of  the  British  government  with  our  own,  and,  it  might  be 
hoped,  not  without  success.  It  would  be  in  accordance  with 
the  spirit  of  a  stipulation  in  the  last  treaty  of  peace,  by  which 
the  two  governments  stand  pledged  to  each  other,  to  use  their 
best  endeavours  to  effect  the  entire  abolition  of  the  traffic  in 
slaves,  while  the  proposed  institution  would  tend  to  diminish 
the  quantity  of  slavery  actually  existing. 

If,  however,  such  enlarged  and  liberal  views  should  be 
wanting,  then  the  design  of  forming  a  separate  colony  might 
be  announced  by  the  American  ministers  to  the  maritime  pow- 
ers, and  their  guaranty  of  the  neutrality  of  the  colony  ob- 
tained. 

Your  committee  do  not  think  it  proper  to  pursue  the  subject 
any  further  at  this  time,  but  that  the  government  should  wait 
the  result  of  the  suggested  negotiations,  on  which  ulterior  mea- 
sures must  depend. 

In  conclusion  your  committee  beg  leave  to  report  a  joint 
resolution,  embracing  the  views  herein  before  exhibited. 

Joint  Resolution  for  Abolishing'  the  Traffic  in  Slaves,  and  the  Colonization  of  the 
Free  People  of  Colour  of  the  United  States,  February  11,  1817.  Read,  and 
committed  to  a  Committee  of  the  whole  House  on  Monday  next. 

Resolved,  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  United  States  of  Jimerica,  iii  Coiigress  Jlsseinhled,  That 
the  President  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  authorized  to  consult  and 
negotiate  with  all  the  governments  where  ministers  of  the 
United  States  are,  or  shall  be  accredited,  on  the  means  of  effect- 
ing an  entire  and  immediate  abolition  of  the  traffic  in  slaves. 
And  also  to  enter  into  a  convention  with  the  government  of 


98  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Great  Britain,  for  receiving  into  the  colony  of  Sierra  Leone, 
such  of  the  free  people  of  colour  of  the  United  States  as,  with 
their  own  consent,  shall  be  carried  thither ;  stipulating  such 
terms  as  shall  be  most  beneficial  to  the  colonists,  while  it  pro- 
motes the  peaceful  interests  of  Great  Britain  and  the  United 
States.  And  should  this  proposition  not  be  accepted,  then  to 
obtain  from  Great  Britain,  and  the  other  maritime  powers,  a 
stipulation,  or  a  formal  declaration  to  the  same  effect,  guaran- 
teeing a  permanent  neutrality,  for  any  colony  of  free  people 
of  colour,  which,  at  the  expense  and  under  the  auspices  of  the 
United  States,  shall  be  established  on  the  African  coast. 

Resolved,  That  adequate  provision  should  hereafter  be  made 
to  defray  any  necessary  expenses,  which  may  be  incurred  in 
carrying  the  preceding  resolution  into  effect." 

Although  there  appeared  to  be  scarcely  an  appearance  of 
opposition  to  the  colonization  enterprise,  at  this  time,  in  Con- 
gress, yet  other  more  urgent  business  continued  to  occupy  the 
attention  of  the  House,  and  the  report  of  the  committee  was 
not  called  up  and  acted  on  during  the  session. 

Still  something  of  importance  was  gained  by  these  proceed- 
ings; the  subject  was  formally  presented  to  the  public,  and  the 
sentiments  expressed  in  the  memorial  and  the  report,  made  a 
salutary  impression  on  the  public  mind.  In  a  short  time  nume- 
rous auxiliary  societies  were  organized,  and  strong  recom- 
mendations of  the  object  were  given  by  various  ecclesiastical 
bodies  of  different  denominations. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

VOYAGE  OF  MESSRS.  MILLS  AND  BURGESS. 

The  mind  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Mills  seems  to  have  been  so 
thoroughly  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  benevolence,  that  he  was 
ever  meditating  schemes  and  plans  by  which  the  happiness  of 
the  human  race  might  be  promoted.  After  having  given  the 
first  impulse  to  foreign  missions  in  this  country,  he  turned  his 
attention  to  the  condition  of  the  multitudes  of  settlers  on  our 
frontiers,  who  were  living  without  the  means  of  grace.     While 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  99 

travelling  in  the  south-west  and  south,  his  mind  was  deeply- 
affected  with  the  deplorable  condition  of  the  African  race,  in 
this  country.  He  conversed  freely  with  pious  men  of  liberal 
minds,  at  the  south,  and  found  many  of  them  well  disposed  to 
emancipate  their  slaves,  if  any  disposal  could  be  made  of  them, 
consistent  with  their  own  welfare,  and  the  good  of  society  at 
large.  Finding  that  no  plan  was  likely  to  meet  the  views  of 
slaveholders,  which  did  not  provide  for  the  removal  of  the 
emancipated  slaves  from  among  them,  he  set  his  fertile  mind 
at  work  to  devise  a  plan  by  which  they  might  be  disposed  of 
advantageously.  The  outlines  of  the  plan  were,  that  a  large 
tract  of  land  in  the  western  country  should  be  appropriated  by 
the  government  of  the  United  States  for  this  purpose,  where 
emancipated  slaves  might  be  removed,  and  where  they  might 
be  governed  under  such  laws  and  regulations  as  were  adapted 
to  their  situation,  until  they  should  become  capable  of  govern- 
ing themselves.  The  scheme,  indeed,  was  not  new,  and  at 
first  view  seemed  plausible,  and  upon  being  communicated  to 
intelligent  and  philanthropic  men  at  the  south,  met  their  appro- 
bation; but  when  the  subject  came  to  be  more  thoroughly 
examined,  numerous  difficulties  seemed  to  encumber  it,  which 
need  not  be  now  mentioned,  as  no  attempt  was  ever  made  to 
carry  it  into  effect.  Mr.  Mills,  however,  having  his  mind  still 
turned  to  the  melioration  of  the  condition  of  the  people  of 
colour,  formed  a  plan,  in  concurrence  with  other  benevolent 
persons,  in  and  about  Newark,  New  Jersey,  where  he  then 
resided,  for  the  establishment  of  a  seminary  for  the  education 
of  coloured  men  of  piety,  in  the  hope,  that  these  might  greatly 
exalt  and  meliorate  the  condition  of  the  African  race.  This 
scheme  was  commenced  under  flattering  auspices,  and  for  a 
while  it  seemed  to  promise  great  usefulness.  The  school  was 
placed  under  the  care  and  patronage  of  the  Synod  of  New  Jer- 
sey, who  fixed  its  site  at  Parsippany,  New  Jersey,  and  placed 
it  under  the  immediate  tuition  of  the  Rev.  John  Ford.  The 
number  of  scholars  was  never  large,  but  for  some  years  the 
object  was  prosecuted  with  zeal,  and  favourable  reports  were 
received  of  the  behaviour  and  progress  of  the  pupils.  But 
when  an  attempt  was  made  to  lessen  the  expenses  of  the 
institution,  by  requiring  a  certain  amount  of  labour  from  each 
scholar,  they  became  dissatisfied,  and  soon  afterwards  the  insti- 
tution was  broken  up.    It  was  at  this  time,  as  we  have  seen,  that 


100  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  Rev.  Dr.  Finley  came  forward  with  his  proposal  of  a  society 
for  colonizing  the  free  people  of  colour  on  the  coast  of  Africa, 
with  their  own  consent.  Although  this  plan  had  no  direct 
reference  to  the  slaves,  yet  it  was  foreseen  that  it  would  remove 
out  of  the  way,  one  of  the  principal  obstacles  to  emancipation, 
in  regard  to  those  slaveholders  who  desired  to  give  liberty  to 
their  slaves,  by  providing  a  comfortable  asylum  for  them,  in 
the  land  of  their  forefathers. 

INIr.  Mills,  at  once,  perceived  the  benefits  to  the  African  race, 
likely  to  accrue  from  the  prosecution  of  this  scheme  of  coloni- 
zation; he  therefore  gave  himself  up  to  it  with  a  zeal  which 
nothing  but  death  could  extinguish.  The  great  difficulty  to  be 
overcome  was,  to  find  and  obtain  a  place  in  Africa  for  the 
commencement  of  a  colony.  Former  efforts  made  by  the 
highest  authorities  in  the  country,  had  failed  of  success;  but 
still  there  seemed  to  be  no  insurmountable  obstacle  in  the  way 
of  finding  such  a  place,  somewhere  on  the  extensive  western 
coast  of  Africa.  And  the  Colonization  Society,  at  Washington, 
were  desirous  of  having  that  country  explored,  with  the  view 
of  acquiring  a  territory,  to  which  colonists  might  be  advan- 
tageously sent.  ■  To  prosecute  this  difficult  and  dangerous 
mission,  Mr.  Mills  offered  his  services;  and  as  it  was  desirable 
that  he  should  not  go  alone,  but  be  accompanied  by  a  man  of 
like  spirit  with  himself,  the  Rev.  (now  Dr.)  Ebenezer  Burgess 
was  selected,  and  consented  to  go  to  Africa  with  Mr.  Mills. 

These  two  devoted  men  took  England  in  their  way,  and 
were  the  bearers  of  letters  to  His  Royal  Highness,  the  Duke  of 
Gloucester,  President  of  the  African  Institution,  and  to  Lord 
Bathurst,  Secretary  of  State  for  the  colonial  department  of 
the  British  government,  by  whom  they  were  courteously  and 
kindly  received,  and  every  thing  done  which  they  required,  to 
facilitate  their  voyage,  and  to  render  their  mission  successful. 

In  February,  ISIS,  they  sailed  from  the  Downs,  and  on  the 
13th  of  March,  came  to  anchor  in  the  river  Gambia.  During 
the  voyage,  which  was  tedious,  the  missionaries  were  engaged 
in  reading  books  which  treated  of  the  people,  climate,  soil,  and 
productions  of  Africa.  Here  they  paid  their  respects  to  the 
commandant,  and  became  acquainted  with  most  of  the  Euro- 
peans, resident  at  the  place,  from  whom  they  learned  several 
facts  respecting  the  slave  trade.  They  walked  out  from  the 
settlement  several  miles,  and  found  the   country  overgrown 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  101 

with  wild  grass,  resembling  the  prairies  of  Illinois  and  Mis- 
souri. 

On  the  16th  of  March,  they  embarked  for  Sierra  Leone,  a 
voyage  of  four  or  five  days.  The  appearance  of  the  country 
as  they  entered  the  river,  is  described  as  presenting  a  grand 
and  verdant  prospect,  and  the  town,  that  of  a  neat  and  pleasant 
village.  They  say,  "  several  villages  are  in  sight,  the  church 
on  Leicester  mountain  is  in  full  view,  and  aids  us  much  in  our 
devotional  thoughts,  on  this  sacred  day.  The  altars  on  these 
mountains,  which  the  natives  had  dedicated  to  devils,  are  falling 
before  the  temples  of  the  living  God,  like  the  image  of  Dagon 
before  the  ark.  The  time  is  coming  when  the  dwellers  in  these 
vales,  and  on  these  mountains,  will  sing  hosannahs  to  the  Son 
of  David.  Distant  tribes  will  learn  their  song.  Ethiopia  will 
stretch  forth  her  hands  unto  God,  and  worship." 

Governor  Macarthy  being  absent.  Lord  Bathurst's  letters 
were  presented  to  the  commandant.  Chief  Justice  Fitzgerald, 
and  the  council;  all  of  whom  received  them  courteously,  and 
offered  to  show  them  the  different  settlements  in  the  colony. 
The  minds  of  the  leading  men  here  were  found  favourable  to 
the  establishment  of  an  American  colony  ;  but  some  difference 
of  opinion  existed,  as  to  the  expediency  of  locating  it  in  the 
vicinity  of  Sierra  Leone ;  the  merchants  there  seemed  to  fear 
that  it  might  interfere  with  their  trade. 

Their  visit  to  the  schools  in  Freetown  is  thus  described :  "  In 
the  male  school  were  about  two  hundred  neat,  active,  intelli- 
gent boys,  divided  into  eight  classes,  under  the  superintendence 
of  Mr.  Horton,  whose  perseverance  and  fidelity  are  entitled  to 
high  commendation.  In  the  female  school  were  about  one 
hundred  neatly  dressed  little  girls,  many  of  whom  could  read 
and  sew.  These  schools  would  do  no  dishonour  to  an  English 
or  American  village.  There  was  not  a  white  child  in  either  of 
them.  I  believe  schools  of  white  children  seldom  give  fairer 
proofs  of  good  improvement. 

"The  number  in  all  the  schools  in  the  colony,  including 
some  adults,  does  not  fall  much  short  of  two  thousand.  This 
is  about  one  sixth  part  of  the  whole  population." 

The  missionaries  had  an  interview,  and  free  conversation, 
with  the  principal  members  of  the  "  Friendly  Society,"  insti- 
tuted at  the  suggestion  of  Paul  Cuffee,  whose  memory  is 
cherished  here  with  warm  affection.  When  they  signified  their 
9* 


102  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

purpose  of  visiting  Sherbro,  it  was  agreed  that  Mr.  Kizell, 
and  Mr.  Martin,  should  accompany  them. 

"  Before  we  parted,  we  addressed  our  prayers  to  God,  to 
whom  the  honour  and  glory  of  this  great  and  benevolent  enter- 
prise will  belong,  if  it  be  carried  into  effect." 

The  character  and  life  of  John  Kizell  being  somewhat 
remarkable,  we  will  give  some  further  account  of  him,  and  of 
his  description  of_the  natives  and  their  mode  of  life.  It  is 
proper,  however,  to  observe,  that  although  this  man  was  high 
in  the  confidence  of  Governor  Columbine,  of  Sierra  Leone, 
and  made  a  very  favourable  impression  on  Messrs.  Mills  and 
Burgess,  yet,  afterwards,  he  fell  under  strong  suspicion  of  being 
a  selfish  and  deceitful  man,  when  the  first  colonists  from  this 
country  were  placed  on  Sherbro  island,  and,  in  a  manner, 
under  his  care.  But  we  need  not  anticipate  events  which  will 
be  brought  into  view  in  their  proper  order. 

The  following  character  of  Kizell  is  taken  from  Governor 
Columbine. 

"  John  Kizell  is  a  black  man,  a  native  of  the  country  some 
leagues  inward  from  the  Sherbro.  His  father  was  a  chief  of 
some  consequence,  and  so  was  his  luicle.  They  resided  at 
different  towns;  and  when  Kizell  was  a  boy,  he  was  sent  by 
his  father  on  a  visit  to  his  uncle,  who  was  desirous  to  have  him 
with  him.  On  the  very  night  of  his  arrival,  the  house  was 
attacked;  a  bloody  battle  ensued,  in  which  his  uncle  and  most 
of  his  people  were  killed.  Some  escaped,  the  rest  were  taken 
prisoners,  and  amongst  these  was  Kizell.  His  father,  as  soon 
as  he  heard  of  his  son's  disaster,  made  every  effort  to  relieve 
him,  offering  them  slaves  and  some  grounds  for  him ;  but  his 
enemies  declared  they  would  not  give  him  up  for  any  price, 
and  that  they  would  rather  put  him  to  death.  He  was  taken 
to  the  GaUinas,  put  on  board  an  English  ship,  and  carried  as 
one  of  a  cargo  of  slaves  to  Charleston,  South  Carolina.  On  the 
passage,  one  of  the  women  pining  away  with  grief,  on  account 
of  her  situation,  was  tied  up  to  the  mast  and  flogged  to  death,  as 
a  warning  to  others  not  to  indulge  their  melancholy  to  the 
detriment  of  their  health,  and  thereby  to  injure  their  value  to 
their  Christian  owners. 

"  He  arrived  in  Charleston,  a  few  years  before  that  city  was 
taken  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  In  consequence  of  the  General's 
proclamation,  he,  with  many  other  slaves,  joined  the  royal 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  103 

Standard.  He  was  close  to  Co).  Ferguson,  v/hen  he  was  killed 
at  King's  Mountain.  After  the  war,  he  was  remanded  to  Nova 
Scotia,  from  which  place  he  came  to  Africa,  in  1792. 

"  He  is  an  intelligent  man,  has  always  preserved  an  excel- 
lent character,  and  has  the  welfare  of  his  native  country  sin- 
cerely at  heart.  The  government  of  this  colony  have  repeat- 
edly employed  him  in  their  negotiations  with  the  Caulkers  and 
the  Clevelands,  and  other  chiefs  of  Sherbro ;  and  he  appears 
always  to  have  discharged  his  duty  with  great  integrity  and 
address." 

The  following  anecdote  is  also  worthy  of  notice. 

In  March  1795,  the  brig  Amy  after  a  passage  of  forty  days 
arrived  at  Freetown.  "  John  Kizell,  one  of  our  negro  Baptist 
brethren  who  came  to  England  in  the  company's  service,  re- 
turned in  this  vessel,  and  was  enabled  to  take  out  a  venture  with 
him,  which  he  sold  extremely  well.  The  profits  were  to  have 
been  solely  for  his  own  use ;  but  though  in  the  general  havoc 
which  was  made  in  his  absence  (by  the  French)  he- lost  what 
property  he  had  in  the  colony,  he,  of  his  own  accord,  in  the 
generosity  of  his  heart,  divided  the  profits  of  his  venture  among 
his  brethren;  thus  alleviating  their  distress,  as  far  as  he  was 
able." 

Governor  Columbine,  to  do  what  he  could  to  put  an  end  to 
the  slave  trade  on  the  African  coast,  in  the  proximity  of  Sierra 
Leone,  sent  Kizell  to  Sherbro  to  reside,  and  gave  him  a  letter 
to  the  head-man,  of  which  the  following  is  an  extract. 

"I  have  sent  Mr.  Kizell  to  visit  you  on  my  part,  in  order 
that  you  may  communicate  to  him  any  thing  that  you  may 

wish  to  say  to  me I  hope  you  will  allow  my  friend, 

Mr.  Kizell,  to  have  a  sufficient  portion  of  ground  or  territory, 
for  him  to  build  a  town,  and  to  point  out  to  you  the  proper 
mode  of  rearing  those  articles  of  trade  which  will  supply  you 
with  all  European  commodities.  You  cannot  have  the  least 
reason  to  be  jealous  of  him,  he  is  one  of  yourselves;  and  he  has 
the  welfare  of  you  and  his  country,  very  earnestly  at  heart; 
and  I  entreat  you  to  forward  his  views  as  much  as  possible, 
and  to  join  him  in  a  noble  endeavour  to  make  yourselves  and 
your  children  great,  and  your  country  happy.  I  shall  leave 
the  transaction  entirely  to  yourselves,  as  I  do  not  intend  to  send 
a  single  European  to  live  in  Kizelltown;  but  I  shall  furnish 
him  with  tools,  &c.  for  cultivation. 


104  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

"  I  have  no  personal  advantage  to  derive  from  your  taking 
my  advice  on  this  subject;  it  arises  merely  from  a  sincere  wish 
to  see  Africa  in  a  better  situation  than  it  is  at  present.  I  beg 
leave  to  observe  that  Mr.  Kizell  is  my  friend.  I  am,  gentle- 
men, &c.  &c. 

(Signed)  E.  H.  COLUMBINE. 

August,  1810." 

The  communications  made  to  the  governor  by  himself  are 
very  interesting,  and  contain  much  valuable  information  re- 
specting the  soil,  climate,  chiefs,  customs,  slave-trade,  &c.  We 
can  only  find  room  for  a  few  short  extracts.  After  giving  an 
account  of  his  interview  with  some  of  their  kings,  or  head- 
men, he  describes  the  people  in  the  following  manner. 

"  I  will  now  describe  how  the  natives  live  in  this  country. 
They  are  all  alike,  the  great  and  the  poor;  you  cannot  tell  the 
master  from  the  servant,  at  first.  The  servant  has  as  much  to 
say  as  his  master,  in  common  discourse,  but  not  in  a  palaver, 
for  that  belongs  only  to  the  master.  Of  all  people  I  have  ever 
seen,  I  think  they  are  the  kindest.  They  will  let  none  of  their 
people  want  for  victuals ;  they  will  lend  and  not  look  for  it 
again.  They  will  even  lend  clothes  to  each  other  if  they 
want  to  go  any  where.  If  strangers  come,  they  will  give  them 
victuals  for  nothing;  they  will  go  out  of  their  beds  that  stran- 
gers may  sleep  in  them.  The  women  are  particularly  kind. 
The  men  are  very  fond  of  palm  wine.  They  love  dancing ; 
they  will  dance  all  night.  They  have  but  little;  yet  they  are 
happy  while  that  httle  lasts.  At  times,  they  are  greatly  troubled 
with  the  slave  trade,  by  some  of  them  being  caught,  under 
different  pretences.  A  man  owes  money,  or  some  one  of  his 
family  owes  it;  or  he  has  been  guilty  of  adultery.  In  these 
cases,  if  unable  to  seize  the  parties  themselves,  they  give  him 
up  to  some  one  who  is  able,  and  who  goes  and  takes  him  by 
force  of  arms.  On  one  occasion,  when  I  lived  in  the  Sherbro, 
a  number  of  armed  men  came  to  seize  five  persons  living 
under  me,  who,  they  said,  had  been  thus  given  to  them.  We 
had  a  great  quarrel — I  would  not  give  them  up — we  had  five 
days'  palaver — there  were  three  chiefs  against  me.  I  told  them 
if  they  did  sell  the  people  they  caught  at  my  place,  I  would 
complain  to  the  governor.  After  five  days'  talk  I  recovered 
them. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  105 

"  Sometimes  I  am  astonished  to  see  how  contented  they  are 
with  so  little.  I  consider  that  happiness  does  not  consist  in 
plenty  of  goods. 

"Their  land  is  so  fertile,  in  some  places,  that  it  would  sur- 
prise any  man  to  see  what  a  quantity  of  rice  they  will  raise, 
on  a  small  spot.  As  for  fish,  their  rivers  abound  with  it;  they 
can  get  as  much  as  they  want.  Their  sheep  and  goats  are 
very  fine  and  fat.  They  have  plenty  of  fowls  ;  also  wild  hogs, 
ducks,  and  geese.  They  do  not  salt  their  meat,  but  dry  it  over 
the  fire.  They  do  not  work  hard,  except  when  they  prepare 
their  rice  plantations,  which  is  during  two  months  in  the  spring, 
after  which  the  men  go  and  make  canoes,  or  cut  cam-wood,  or 
carry  the  salt  which  the  women  have  made,  to  sell  for  clothes 
or  slaves.  This  is  usually  done  in  the  rainy  season,  from  June 
to  September.  They  are  not  afraid  of  being  wet,  they  will 
work  in  the  rain.  When  they  come  home  from  working,  their 
women  give  them  warm  water  to  wash  their  bodies,  and  oil  to 
anoint  themselves  with.  They  (the  women)  have  the  hardest 
lot;  they  do  all  the  drudgery;  they  beat  the  rice  and  fetch 
wood,  make  salt,  plaster  the  houses,  go  a  fishing  with  hand 
nets,  make  oil  from  the  palm  nuts  which  the  men  bring  home. 
Their  rice  ripens  in  three  months  from  the  time  it  is  sown;  when 
it  is  cut,  they  put  it  under  water,  where  it  keeps  sound  and  good. 
When  they  want  to  use  it,  they  go  into  the  water  and  get  as 
much  as  they  need.  During  the  rainy  season  the  low  banks 
are  overflowed;  when  the  water  goes  away,  it  leaves  the  land 
moist,  which  is  then  planted,  and  will  bring  any  thing  to  the 
greatest  perfection.  They  have  very  good  clay,  of  which  the 
women  make  pots,  which  they  sell  for  rice,  cassada,  and  plan- 
tains. The  cotton  tree  grows  here  in  great  abundance.  I 
think  the  cotton  would  do  for  hats  as  well  as  fur.  The  men 
make  straw  hats.  It  is  the  men  who  sew  the  cloth  into  gar- 
ments; of  the  women,  not  one  out  of  twenty  knows  how  to 
sew.  All  the  male  children  (of  the  Mahommedans)  are  cir- 
cumcised. 

"  The  king  is  poorer  than  any  of  his  subjects.  I  have  many 
a  time  gone  into  the  houses  of  their  kings;  sometimes  I  have 
seen  one  box,  and  a  bed  made  of  sticks  on  the  ground,  and  a 
mat,  or  two  country  cloths  on  the  bed.  He  is  obliged  to  work 
himself,  if  he  has  no  wives  and  children.  He  has  only  the 
name  of  king,  without  the  power;  he  cannot  do  as  he  pleases. 


106  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

When  there  is  a  palaver,  he  must  have  it  settled  before  the  rest 
of  the  old  men,  who  are  looked  npon  as  much  as  the  king, 
and  the  people  will  give  ear  to  them  as  soon  as  they  will  to  the 
king." 

On  Sabbath,  March  29th,  our  missionary,  in  company  with 
several  gentlemen,  attended  public  worship  in  Regent's  Town, 
and  visited  the  Christian  Institution.  "This  is  a  large  school 
established  by  the  Church  Missionary  Society  for  the  children 
of  re-captured  Africans.  It  stands  on  Leicester  mountain,  three 
miles  from  Freetown.  Regent's  Town  is  two  miles  beyond 
Leicester  mountain,  and  has  a  population  of  twelve  or  thirteen 
hundred,  who  have  been  liberated  from  the  slave-ships  by  the 
Vice-Admiralty  court  of  Sierra  Leone,  within  two  or  three 
years  past.  The  boys  in  the  Institution  are  taught  to  work,  and 
had  cleared  eighty  or  a  hundred  acres  of  land.  This  Institution 
accommodates  about  two  hundred  children  of  both  sexes,  who 
are  mostly  named  and  supported  by  individual  benefactors  in 
England.  Thus  are  children,  once  destined  to  foreign  slavery, 
now  fed,  clothed,  governed,  and  carefully  taught  in  the  Chris- 
tian religion.  Assembled  in  the  church  to  worship,  they  are  a 
spectacle  of  grateful  admiration,  and  their  state  happily  exem- 
plifies the  divine  origin  and  holy  principles  of  the  religion  in 
which  they  are  taught.  The  wilderness  buds  and  blossoms  as 
the  rose.  We  saw  here  two  hundred  children  in  the  schools. 
On  the  Sabbath  morning  more  than  a  thousand  of  the  children 
and  people  were  present  in  the  church,  neatly  dressed,  sober, 
attentive  to  the  reading  of  the  word  of  God,  and  uniting  their 
voices  to  sing  his  praise." 

On  Monday,  March  30,  IS  18,  Messrs.  Mills  and  Burgess, 
accompanied  by  Kizell,  Martin,  and  Anderson,  their  pilot,  left 
Sierra  Leone.  Every  remark  entered  by  Mills  in  his  journal 
indicates  the  pious  enthusiasm  of  his  benevolent  mind.  While 
their  little  vessel  was  departing  he  says,  "The  high  ridges  of 
the  mountains  present  a  pleasing  aspect,  and  the  more  so,  as 
we  know  that  hosannahs  are  sung  to  Zion's  King,  upon  their 
very  summit.  So  God  has  kindly  ordered,  the  chain  is  broken, 
and  the  captive  slave  is  free." 

On  the  31st  of  March  they  sailed  by  the  Bananas,  and  the 
appearance  of  the  land  is  thus  described:  "The  main  land  is  in 
sight.     The  ridges  run  nearly  parallel   to   the  coast.     Some 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  107 

more  inland  ridges  overtop  the  nearest.  All  are  covered  with 
trees  and  shrubs  to  their  summits." 

Understanding  that  a  man  named  Caulker,  had  influence  with 
the  chiefs  along  the  coast,  they  called  upon  him,  and  explained 
the  object  of  their  visit  to  Africa.  He  expressed  his  approba- 
tion, and  said  their  design  was  like  Paul  Cuffee's,  whom  he 
had  known.  He  recommended  Caramanca  river  as  a  suitable 
place;  but  this  was  too  near  the  territory  of  Sierra  Leone, 
which  owns  the  land  on  the  north  bank  of  that  river.  He  said, 
that  he  thought  it  would  be  a  very  good  thing  if  a  colony 
could  be  founded  at  Sherbro.  To  show  his  good  will,  he  said 
he  would  send  his  son  and  nephew  as  far  as  the  Plantains  and 
to  Sherbro  with  them,  who  would  tell  his  desire  to  favour  the 
enterprise;  and  his  wish  that  the  chiefs  there  should  do  the 
same. 

This  man  entertained  our  missionaries  and  their  company 
hospitably,  spreading  a  table  for  them,  furnished  with  boiled 
fowls  and  cassada;  and  when  they  were  coming  away,  gave 
them  a  sheep,  which  was  about  equal  in  value  to  the  present 
which  he  had  received  from  them. 

At  the  Plantains,  they  visited  George  Caulker,  nephew  of 
the  former,  who  had  been  educated  in  England.  When  they 
laid  before  him  their  plan,  he  observed,  that  he  was  afraid, 
"  that  hereafter  the  colony  might  claim  more  territory  than  it 
ought:  that  Sierra  Leone  had  now  become  powerful,  and  had 
already  taken  a  considerable  extent  of  territory  under  their 
direction."  He  said,  "  the  kings  would  have  less  objection 
to  an  American  colony,  if  the  people  of  colour  were  to  govern 
the  colony  themselves ;  they  are  afraid  that  the  white  men  will 
take  their  country  from  them;  but  they  will  not  have  the  same 
fears  of  their  brethren."  He  was  assured  that  there  would  be 
no  objection  to  this,  so  soon  as  suitable  coloured  men  could  be 
found  to  undertake  the  government;  that  the  interference  of 
the  white  people,  would  only  be  to  give  stability  and  security 
to  the  colony;  and  that  they  would  be  looking  forward  to  the 
time  when  the  people  of  colour  should  govern  themselves. 
Upon  this,  he  expressed  his  satisfaction ;  and  concurred  with 
his  uncle,  in  recommending  the  mouth  of  the  Caramanca,  as  a 
suitable  site  for  the  colony. 

On  the  first  of  April  they  reached  Sherbro  Island,  which  is 


103  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

usually  estimated  to  be  twenty-two  miles  long,  and  twelve 
broad.  The  water  they  found  to  be  good,  and  the  surface 
fifteen  or  twenty  feet  above  the  sea.  They  saw  the  mouth  of 
the  Bagroo  river,  which  had  been  recommended  as  a  good 
place  to  begin  a  colony.  Within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the 
shore,  they  found  seven  fathoms  depth  of  water.  They  also 
visited  York  Island,  which  is  only  two  miles  in  length,  and 
one  in  breadth;  and  is  very  low,  but  has  a  good  soil. 

On  the  next  day,  they  came  to  Bendou,  where  King 
Somano  ruled  over  several  villages.  They  found  him  in  his 
palaver  house,  and  another  chief  by  the  name  of  Safah,  with 
him.  Their  palaver  with  these  chiefs  was  not  very  pleasant, 
especially,  as  they  would  enter  into  no  conversation  until  pre- 
sented with  two  jugs  of  rum;  and  when  Somano  returned  their 
visit  on  board  the  vessel,  he  insisted  on  rum,  as  his  undoubted 
right;  and  was  not  pleased,  that  he  could  not  be  gratified. 
The  palaver  house  was  nothing  but  a  conical  roof  supported 
by  posts.  Near  to  it  was  a  little  thatched  hut,  not  larger  than 
a  spread  umbrella,  called  the  Witch  or  Devil's  house.  It 
was  filled  with  shells,  bits  of  cloth,  &c.  There  was  also,  at  no 
great  distance,  a  thicket  of  shrubs,  and  vines,  almost  impene- 
trable, called  the  deviVs  bush.  If  a  woman  should  be  found 
in  this  bush,  she  would  suffer  death. 

"  In  this  land,"  say  they,  "where  altars  are  erected  to  devils, 
we  sung  the  hymn,  '  Salvation!  0  the  joyful  sound!'  A  num- 
ber of  the  natives  were  present  at  our  evening  prayer,  and 
behaved  well." 

On  the  fourth  of  April,  they  visited  King  Sherbro.  Kizell 
had  prepared  the  way  by  a  palaver,  in  which  he  explained  the 
object  of  the  visit  of  the  missionaries,  and  the  advantages 
which  would  result  to  the  natives  from  the  establishment  of 
such  a  colony.  Couber,  the  Idng's  son,  introduced  them  to 
his  father.  The  old  man  was  sitting  in  his  hut,  barefooted, 
but  wearing  a  three-cornered  hat  on  his  head,  dressed  in  a 
calico  gown,  with  a  large  silver-headed  cane  in  his  left  hand, 
and  in  his  right,  a  horse  tail,  which  is  the  badge  of  royalty. 
He  appeared  to  be  about  sixty  years  of  age.  The  palaver  was 
managed  on  the  one  side  by  Kizell,  and  on  the  other  by  Cou- 
ber. They  complained  that  Caulker  had  sent  them  no  present, 
and  that  Somano  and  Safah  had  been  called  upon  before  King 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  109 

Sherbro.  The  palaver  lasted  between  three  and  four  hours, 
without  coming  to  any  point. 

The  character  which  the  missionaries  give  of  Kizell  is  very 
pleasing.  "  He  is,"  say  they,  "  a  second  Paul  Cuffee.  He  has 
a  good  mind  and  considerable  knowledge.  His  writings  dis- 
cover him  to  be  a  man  of  sense  and  worth.  He  has  a  good 
heart,  and  no  one  can  be  more  anxious  for  the  temporal  and 
spiritual  welfare  of  Africans  and  their  descendants.  He  has 
enlarged  views,  and  believes  with  the  fullest  confidence,  that 
the  time  has  arrived,  when  the  descendants  of  Africans  abroad, 
shall  begin  to  return  to  their  own  country.  His  mind  relies  on 
the  promise  of  God,  'Ethiopia  shall  soon  stretch  forth  her  hands 
unto  God.'  He  says,  if  we  can  fix  on  a  proper  place  for  a 
colony,  our  people  may  come  out  by  hundreds  and  thousands, 
and  we  need  not  fear  the  consequences,  only  sending  some  men 
of  education  to  be  their  conductors  and  guides.     Africa  is 

THE  LAND  OF  BLACK  MEN,  AND  TO  AFRICA  THEY  MUST  AND 

WILL  COME."  "  As  to  land,"  he  says,  "  it  belongs  to  Africans 
abroad  as  well  as  those  in  the  country.  (It  is  at  present  a  wide 
and  fertile  wilderness;  but  it  may  be  made  to  bud  and  blossom 
as  the  rose.)  They  have  not  forfeited  their  inheritance  by 
being  carried  by  force  from  their  country.  The  good  people 
in  America  have  only  to  help  them  to  get  back,  and  assist  them 
a  year  or  two,  until  they  can  help  themselves.  Then  if  they 
will  not  work,  the  fault  is  their  own.  They  certainly  will  not 
freeze  nor  starve.  Let  any  class  of  the  people  of  colour  come, 
only  give  us  a  few  who  will  be  good  leaders  of  the  rest." 

He  urges  the  plan  of  colonization,  among  other  reasons,  on 
the  ground  that  "it  will  prevent  insurrection  among  the  slaves — 
remove  bad  men,  who  will  not  have  the  same  opportunity  to 
do  mischief  here  as  there — bring  into  this  country  some  good 
men,  who  will  shine  as  lights  in  this  dark  world — give  an 
opportunity  to  masters  who  are  disposed  to  release  their  slaves, 
and  thus  promote  a  gradual  emancipation — provide  a  home  for 
many  oppressed  freemen,  and  confer  infinite  blessings  on  this 
country."  Mr.  Kizell  thinks,  the  greater  part  of  the  people  of 
colour,  who  are  now  in  America,  will  yet  return  to  Africa. 

While  Mr.  Kizell  was  in  Sherbro  with  the  missionaries,  he 
saved  five  or  six  persons  from  death,  who  had  been  condemned 
on  suspicion  of  witchcraft  to  drink  the  red  water.  He  con- 
versed much  with  the  kings  and  people  on  the  advantages  of  a 
10 


110  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

colony  among  them,  and  found  the  young  people  very  favour- 
ably disposed. 

He  would  not  allow  that  the  colonization  scheme  originated 
in  America,  but  insisted  that  it  had  its  origin  in  heaven:  and 
he  has  much  greater  confidence  than  the  managers  of  the  socie- 
ty, that  their  plans,  if  pursued  with  prudence  and  vigour,  will 
be  completely  successful.  On  the  subject  of  appointing  a  gov- 
ernor his  opinions  were,  that,  for  a  while,  it  may  be  best  to 
place  a  white  man  at  the  head  of  the  colony,  unless  such  a 
coloured  man  as  Paul  Cuffee  could  be  obtained,  in  which  case 
it  would  be  wise  to  appoint  him.  He  insisted  that  great  care 
should  be  taken  in  selecting  the  first  colonists,  that  they  should 
be  men  of  good  character ;  and  that  some  white  men  of  firm 
integrity  should  accompany  them  as  judges  and  counsellors. 

As  Sherbro  refused  to  carry  on  the  palaver  unless  Samano 
and  Safab  were  also  present,  they  were  sent  for,  and  arrived 
on  the  Sth  of  April. 

After  days  of  mutual  consultation  together,  the  missionaries 
were  informed  that  the  kings  were  ready  to  receive  them  into 
council.  After  long  discussion,  king  Sherbro  agreed  that  he 
would  grant  them  a  place  for  the  reception  of  the  colonists;  but 
alleged,  that  before  any  territory  could  be  granted,  all  the 
head-men  must  be  consulted.  The  substance  of  the  agreement 
was  written  in  a  book,  and  one  copy  left  with  him. 

The  missionaries  now  visited  some  other  places  on  the  coast, 
and  formed  an  acquaintance  with  some  other  chiefs,  before 
their  return  to  Sierra  Leone. 

King  Cauber  offered  to  send  two  of  his  sons  to  America  for 
education,  if  any  captain  of  a  vessel  would  take  charge  of  them. 
And  when  the  missionaries  left  Sherbro,  he  expressed  a  strong 
desire  that  they  would  return  again.  He  gave  them  a  goat, 
and  walking  along  the  shore  as  they  embarked,  said  in  Eng- 
lish, "  May  God  bless  you,  and  give  you  a  good  journey  to 
your  country!" 

The  missionaries  remarked,  that  "The  Africans,  generally, 
appear  cheerful  and  happy. 

"  This  land  was  once  more  populous  than  at  present. 

"It  is  doubtful  whether  the  population  is  now  increasing, 
though  the  proportion  of  small  children  is  very  great. 

"  I  think  I  never  saw  so  great  a  proportion  of  healthy  active 
children,  in  any  country." 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION,  111 

Oil  Sabbath,  April  19th,  we  find  the  following  short  entry  in 
the  jonrnal  of  the  missionaries,  which  shows  that  their  confi- 
dence of  success  in  the  enterprise,  in  which  they  were  engaged, 
remained  nndiminished. 

"  Darkness,  gross  darkness,  covers  the  nations  aronnd  us. 
But  this  darkness  will  be  dispelled.  The  Sun  of  righteousness 
will  yet  arise  npon  them,  with  healing  in  his  beams.  In  this 
consideration  we  do  rejoice,  and  will  rejoice." 

The  missionaries  ascended  the  Mano,  a  branch  of  the  Ba- 
groo,  a  considerable  distance,  and  found  the  country  rising  into 
hills  and  mountains.  They  say,  "  It  seems  desirable  to  obtain 
the  country  to  the  right  of  the  Mano.  It  is  high  and  airy.  It 
extends  back  eighty  or  ninety  miles  to  the  Timmanee  country. 
It  is  called  a  good  country  by  those  who  have  travelled  over 
it.  A  brook  is  spoken  of  which  empties  into  the  Mano,  one  or 
two  miles  above  the  rapids,  and  extends  far  into  the  interior. 
After  we  leave  the  little  villages  on  the  Mano,  there  are  no 
inhabitants  until  you  reach  the  Timmanees.  The  extent, 
vacant  population,  and  probable  fertility,  render  it  highly 
ehgible." — "  To  this  may  be  added  the  peninsula  between  the 
Mano  and  Bagroo  rivers,  which  includes  the  Mano  mountain, 
as  the  other  tract  does  the  Perra  mountain.  These  alone  form 
a  vacant  region  of  three  thousand  square  miles,  and  include 
mountains,  rivers,  forests,  rapids,  and  springs  of  water." 

They  went  up  the  Banga,  as  far  as  Bandasuma,  and  paid  a 
visit  to  Pa  Poosoo,  who  received  them  very  kindly,  and  ex- 
pressed liigh  approbation  of  their  design;  and  said,  that  when 
called  upon  to  vote  with  the  chiefs,  he  would  say,  '•  Give 
land." 

Mr.  Mills,  after  they  left  Sierra  Leone,  on  his  return,  was 
seized  with  dysentery,  and  expired  on  the  voyage.  Althougli 
this  man  of  God  died  early,  he  had  accomplished  much  in  a 
short  life.  He  was  the  person  who  first  suggested  the  idea  of 
sending  missionaries  to  the  heathen  from  the  American  church- 
es; and  fully  intended  to  go  himself,  but  was  prevented  by  bad 
health.  He  entered  with  all  his  heart  into  every  benevolent 
enterprise,  whether  proposed  by  himself  or  by  others.  A  brief 
memoir  of  his  life  would  be  in  place  here;  but  his  biography 
has  already  been  written  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Spring  of  New  York, 
where  full  justice  is  done  to  the  memory  of  this  distinguished 
philanthropist  and  eminent  Christian. 


112  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

FIRST  EXPEDITION  TO  AFRICA  IN  THE  ELIZABETH. 

The  American  Colonization  Society  being  satisfied  from  the 
report  of  the  Rev,  Mr.  Burgess,  and  the  journal  of  the  lamented 
Mills,  that  the  establishment  of  a  colony  on  the  western  coast 
of  Africa  was  a  practicable  enterprise,  were  solicitous,  in  the 
commencement  of  the  year  1819,  to  send  out  a  select  company 
of  black  people,  under  suitable  superintendence,  to  commence 
tlie  contemplated  settlement.  And  it  seemed  to  be  a  special 
interposition  of  Providence  in  favour  of  their  design,  that  Con- 
gress, on  the  3d  of  March,  the  last  day  of  their  session,  passed 
an  act,  authorizing  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  insti- 
tute an  agency  in  Africa,  for  the  purpose  of  providing  an  asy- 
lum for  such  Africans  as  should  be  liberated  by  our  ships  of 
war,  from  vessels  seized  in  violation  of  the  provisions  of  the 
law  for  the  suppression  of  the  slave  trade.  This  act  without 
recognizing  the  plan  of  colonization,  as  it  had  been  repeatedly 
commended  by  the  society  to  the  favourable  notice  of  Congress, 
authorized  a  collateral  measure,  so  nearly  identified  with  it,  as 
in  effect,  to  subserve  nearly  the  same  purpose.  The  society, 
therefore,  resolved  to  improve  the  advantage  which  was  thus 
oftered  to  them.  In  this  view,  it  was  determined  to  make  the 
station  of  the  government  agency  the  site  of  the  colonial  settle- 
ment, and  to  incorporate  in  the  settlement  all  the  blacks  deli- 
vered over  by  our  ships  of  war  to  the  American  agent,  as  soon 
as  the  requisite  preparations  could  be  made  for  their  accommo- 
dation. 

As  a  suitable  person  to  be  employed  in  this  agency,  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Bacon,  a  minister  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church, 
was  strongly  recommended.  This  gentleman,  though  still 
young,  had  passed  through  an  eventful  life.  Brought  up  in 
more  than  common  ignorance,  he  was  seized,  when  grown  up, 
with  an  inextinguishable  desire  for  learning ;  and  after  encoun- 
tering and  overcoming  the  most  formidable  obstacles,  he  suc- 
ceeded in  completing  a  liberal  education,  at  Harvard.  He 
afterwards  was  occupied  as  a  teacher,  in  Pennsylvania.  He 
then  received  the  commission  of  lieutenant  in  the  corps  of 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  113 

marines,  and,  in  a  short  time,  was  advanced  to  be  a  captain  iu 
tlie  same.  Finding  leisnre,  however,  from  the  duties  of  his 
profession,  to  study  law,  he  quaUfied  himself  for  the  bar,  and 
practised  with  success  and  reputation  in  the  county  of  Adams, 
Pennsylvania,  and  adjacent  counties.  But  having,  about  this 
time,  come  under  very  deep  and  abiding  impressions  of  religion, 
he  felt  it  to  be  his  duty,  as  it  was  his  strong  desire,  to  preach 
the  gospel  of  Christ.  Being  naturally  of  an  active  and  enter- 
prising disposition,  Mr.  Bacon  devoted; much  attention  to  the 
institution  of  Sunday  schools,  and  also  to  their  instruction. 
His  exertions,  in  this  useful  and  benevolent  department  of 
labour,  will  be  long  held  in  remembrance  in  York,  Pennsyl- 
vania, where  he  then  resided.  He  first  entered  the  communion 
of  the  German  Lutheran  church,  of  York,  which  is  much  the 
largest  in  the  place;  but,  in  a  few  months,  he  transferred  his 
ecclesiastical  relation  to  the  Episcopal  church,  in  the  same 
town. 

After  having  pursued  the  requisite  course  of  reading  for 
some  time,  he  visited  Philadelphia,  and  received  ordination 
from  the  hands  of  the  venerable  bishop  White.  Soon  after 
Mr,  Bacon's  entrance  into  holy  orders,  he  was  selected  as  a 
suitable  agent  to  travel  through  the  State,  and  present  the  cause 
of  the  Bible,  in  behalf  of  the  Philadelphia  Bible  Society. 
This  work  was  congenial  to  his  ardent  mind.  He  entered  on 
it  with  alacrity,  and  fulfilled  the  duties  of  his  office  with 
wisdom,  energy,  and  fidelity. 

Scarcely  had  he  brought  this  agency  to  a  close,  when  he  was 
fixed  upon  as  a  suitable  person  to  be  employed  as  a  govern- 
ment agent,  to  go  to  Africa. 

But  before  he  received  his  appointment  from  government, 
he  entered  with  zeal  into  the  service  of  the  American  Coloniza- 
tion Society,  in  which  he  continued  until  the  eighth  of  January, 
1820,  when  he  received  from  the  Executive  of  the  United 
States,  a  commission  and  instructions,  for  the  agency  to  which 
he  had  been  previously  designated. 

The  government  having  determined  to  send  a  transport  and 
a  sloop  of  war  to  the  coast  of  Africa,  for  the  purpose  of  carry- 
ing out  two  agents,  and  as  many  mechanics  and  labourers  as 
might  be  necessary  to  prepare  a  receptacle  for  any  persons  that 
might  be  liberated  from  American  slave  ships,  the  sloop  of  war 
Cyane  was  put  in  commission,  and  the  Elizabeth,  a  merchant 
10* 


114  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION, 

ship  of  three  hundred  tons,  was  chartered  for  this  service. 
The  government  agreed  to  receive  on  board  the  EUzabeth, 
such  free  blacks  recommended  by  the  society,  as  might  be 
required  for  the  purposes  of  the  agency.  Accordingly,  about 
thirty  families,  comprehending  eighty-nine  individuals,  of  dif- 
ferent sexes  and  ages,  were  selected  from  a  much  greater 
number,  and  were  directed  to  repair  to  New  York,  where  the 
vessels  were  lying.  Mr.  Bacon  was  directed  to  proceed  to 
New  York,  to  receive  these  people.  He,  accordingly,  left 
Philadelphia  on  the  26th  of  November.  After  encountering 
many  difficulties,  and  experiencing  much  perplexity,  Mr.  Bacon 
left  New  York  on  the  27th  of  December  for  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington. Here  he  remained  until  the  18th  of  January,  1821 — 
which  time  was  profitably  spent  in  preparation  for  the  voyage; 
and  especially  in  frequent  conferences  with  the  officers  of 
government  and  the  managers  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society. 

Having  visited  his  friends  in  York,  Pennsylvania,  he  repaired 
to  New  York  again,  where  he  was  joined  by  the  other  govern- 
ment agent,  Mr.  John  P.  Bankson,  and  Dr.  Samuel  A.  Crozer, 
the  agent  of  the  Colonization  Society,  and  found  the  people  se- 
lected for  the  colony,  already  assembled.  Monday  the  31st  of 
January  was  fixed  for  their  departure,  and  was  an  interesting 
day.  The  people  assembled  at  the  African  church  to  the  number 
of  several  thousand,  to  witness  the  solemnities  expected  on  the 
occasion,  and  to  join  in  a  procession  to  the  vessels,  then  lying 
in  the  North  river.  But  it  being  apprehended  that  great  con- 
fusion and  perhaps  tumult  might  be  the  result  of  admitting  the 
multitude  to  rush  into  the  church,  the  doors  were  kept  closed. 
And  Mr.  Bacon  foreseeing  that  some  disaster  might  be  the 
consequence  of  such  a  multitude  assembling  at  the  water, 
while  the  crowd  were  on  their  way  to  the  vessel,  mounted  on 
a  piazza,  and  addressed  the  multitude.  In  the  mean  time,  the 
emigrants  were  secretly  conveyed  to  the  ship;  and  at  the  close 
of  his  address,  he  announced  to  the  people  the  fact,  that  the 
emigrants  were  on  board. 

Before  the  wind  proved  favourable  for  getting  to  sea,  the 
Elizabeth  became  ice-bound,  in  which  condition  she  remained 
until  the  6th  of  February. 

In  the  organization  of  the  scheme,  Messrs,  Bankson  and 
Bacon  had  been  appointed  collegiate  agents  of  the  government 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATIOX.  115 

of  the  United  States  to  whom  the  direction  of  the  expedition 
was  entrusted.  The  people  were  all  considered  as  attached  to 
this  joint  agency,  and  to  remain  entirely  subject  to  its  control, 
as  long  after  their  arrival  on  the  coast,  as  their  services  should 
be  needful,  or  until  they  should  receive  a  regular  discharge. 
Their  official  instructions  required  them  to  make  the  Island  of 
Sherbro,  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  their  first  destination ;  and  either 
there  or  on  some  more  eligible  situation  to  land  the  people  and 
stores,  and  proceed  to  erect  cottages  for  the  accommodation  of 
themselves,  and  at  least  three  hundred  captured  Africans. 
They  were  likewise  instructed  to  plant  and  cultivate  corn  and 
vegetables,  and  by  their  own  industry  to  provide  subsistence 
for  themselves. 

Dr.  Samuel  A.  Crozer  was  the  sole  agent  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society,  who  was  entrusted  with  the  goods  and 
stores  sent  out  by  the  society,  for  the  purpose  of  conciliating 
the  favour  of  the  native  chiefs,  purchasing  lands,  and  minis- 
tering to  the  health  and  comfort  of  the  people.  The  selection 
and  purchase  of  a  territory,  for  the  contemplated  settlement, 
were  committed  to  this  agent ;  who  was  instructed  to  avail 
himself  of  the  advice  and  good  offices  of  the  agents  of  the  gov- 
ernment. 

In  planning  this  expedition  great  confidence  had  been  placed 
in  the  statements  of  Messrs.  Mills  and  Burgess,  in  relation  to 
the  friendly  disposition  of  the  natives  on  and  near  the  Sherbro 
river,  the  salubrity  of  the  climate,  and  the  eligibility  of  the  site 
which  they  had  recommended  as  a  place  of  settlement.  The 
instructions  of  the  agents  were  framed  in  general  conformity  to 
the  views  entertained  by  these  exploring  agents,  when  on  the 
spot.  But  these  gentlemen  had  not  remained  there  long  enough 
to  become  well  acquainted  with  all  the  circumstances,  which 
afterwards  proved  unfavourable. 

The  American  Colonization  Society  in  the  prospect  of  the 
purchase  of  lands  and  settlement  of  the  emigrants  in  Africa, 
drew  up  and  delivered  to  Dr.  Crozer  the  following  rules  to  be 
observed  in  the  distribution  of  lands  to  settlers,  which  are  here 
published  as  affording  a  view  of  the  equitable  principles  on 
which  the  society  intended  to  act. 

'•  Every  man  arriving,  married  or  marrying  in  the  colony, 
within  one  year  from  its  commencement,  to  receive  twenty-five 
acres  for  himself,  twenty-four  for  his  wife,  and  ten  for  each 


116  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

child,  as  near  the  town  as  convenient,  and  every  family  is  enti- 
tled to  a  lot  in  town. 

"  Every  single  man  to  receive  thirty  acres  in  the  country, 
and  a  lot  in  town. 

"  Minors,  and  females  not  included  in  the  former  classes,  to 
be  entitled  each  to  twenty-five  acres  of  land  without  the  town. 

"  Labourers  and  mechanics,  as  a  motive  to  industry  and  good 
conduct,  to  receive,  at  the  discretion  of  the  agents,  each  ten 
acres  in  addition  to  the  allotment  above  specified. 

"  The  agents  only  are  entitled  to  buy  or  negotiate  with  the 
natives  for  land, 

"The  colonists,  in  order  to  hold  their  lots  and  lands,  must 
reside  in  the  colony,  and  cultivate  them, 

"Grants  forfeitable  by  misconduct." 

The  voyage  was,  on  the  whole,  prosperous,  and  not  very 
tedious  ;  but  an  unhappy  quarrel  arose  between  the  ship's  crew 
and  some  of  the  emigrants,  which,  at  one  time,  exhibited  a 
very  threatening  aspect.  And,  indeed,  during  the  remainder 
of  the  voyage,  it  was  evident  that  a  mutinous  spirit  existed, 
which  would  be  likely  to  break  out  and  give  trouble,  as  soon 
as  a  favourable  opportunity  should  offer. 

On  the  9th  of  March,  the  Elizabeth  entered  the  harbour  of 
Sierra  Leone.  The  first  people  whom  they  saw  in  Africa, 
were  the  Kroomen,  who  are  always  waiting  to  perform  any 
labour  which  may  be  needed  by  the  ships  which  arrive.  In- 
deed, they  perform  nearly  all  the  hard  work  which  is  done  at 
Sierra  Leone.  The  following  description  is  given  of  them  in 
Mr.  Bacon's  journal.  "Their  country  is  on  the  Guinea  coast, 
in  latitude  5°  north,  whence  they  sail  in  their  canoes  to  the 
different  European  ports,  on  the  coast,  and  hire  themselves  at 
the  rate  of  four  dollars  per  month,  and  are  frequently  absent 
from  home  for  several  years.  Their  whole  dress,  when  em- 
ployed in  their  work,  consists  of  a  single  piece  of  cotton  or 
bafta.    Our  people  clothed  those  who  came  on  board  decently." 

As  soon  as  they  cast  anchor,  they  were  visited  by  a  number 
of  officers  from  shore,  and  saw  several  emigrants  whom  Paul 
Cuffee  had  brought  from  America;  all  of  whom  were  respecta- 
ble in  their  appearance,  and  happy  in  their  circumstances.  At 
the  time  of  the  arrival  of  the  Elizabeth,  both  the  passengers 
and  crew  were  in  a  state  of  perfect  health;  and  the  evening 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  117 

after  their  arrival  was  spent  by  the  agents  and  emigrants  in 
thanksgiving  and  praise. 

It  may  be  well  to  mark  the  first  impression  made  on  such  a 
mind  as  Bacon's,  by  a  view  of  the  natives,  in  whose  welfare 
he  felt  so  deep  an  interest.  Having  visited  the  Kroomen's 
village,  he  exclaims,  "What  a  field  for  evangelical  labour 
amongst  them  !  How  lamentable,  that  these  fine  people  do 
not  attract  the  notice  of  the  religious  world !"  And  in  a  letter 
to  a  friend,  in  Philadelphia,  he  says,  "You  may  depend  on  it, 
there  is  work  for  us  here;  there  is  work  for  missionaries,  for 
teachers,  for  good  men  of  all  descriptions.  I  am  struck  with 
wonder  at  the  native  Africans.  The  sickly  and  depressed 
countenance  of  a  Philadelphia  coloured  man,  is  not  to  be  seen 
amongst  them.  A  noble  aspect,  a  dignified  mien,  a  frank  and 
open  countenance,  is  the  entire  demeanour  of  the  wild  man." 
The  agents  visited  Governor  Macarthy,  and  were  courteously 
treated,  and  invited  to  dinner,  which  was  a  sumptuous  one, 
supplied  entirely  from  Africa.  Mr.  Bacon  seems  to  have  been 
filled  with  enthusiasm,  when  he  surveyed  the  state  of  things  at 
this  colony.  He  even  seemed  to  perceive  a  wisdom  in  the 
climate  being  so  adverse  to  the  health  of  the  white  man,  and 
exclaimed,  "  0  Africa,  my  heart  bleeds  for  thee,  and  thy  scat- 
tered and  weeping  children!  Is  it  not  of  the  justice  of  God, 
that  we,  the  white  people,  cannot  exist  in  this  climate  ?  God 
only  can  keep  it  for  Africa." 

The  Cyane  parted  from  the  Elizabeth  immediately  after 
leaving  the  harbour  of  New  York,  and  nothing  had  been  seen 
of  her  during  the  whole  voyage.  The  charter  party  of  the 
Elizabeth  gave  the  agents  no  authority  to  detain  her  over  a  few 
days,  after  their  arrival  on  the  coast.  This  was,  undoubtedly, 
a  great  oversight  in  the  plan  of  the  expedition,  and  resulted  in 
great  misfortunes.  Kizell,  of  whom  we  have  in  the  former 
chapter  given  an  account,  and  of  whom  Messrs.  Mills  and 
Burgess  had  formed  a  high  opinion,  both  as  to  his  intelligence 
and  integrity,  and  had  strongly  recommended  him  to  the  Board, 
was  at  the  distance  of  forty  leagues;  and  as  the  soundings  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Sherbro  were  unknown,  it  was  doubtful 
whether  the  Elizabeth  could  be  brought  down  to  that  place, 
on  account  of  the  shoalness  of  the  water.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances Mr.  Bankson,  in  a  small  vessel,  undertook  to  ex- 
plore the  Sherbro  sound,  and  to  provide  a  suitable  place  for 


118  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  lodging  of  the  stores,  and  accommodation  of  the  people, 
until  a  site  could  be  obtained  for  a  permanent  settlement. 

Mr.  Bacon,  to  expedite  the  business,  purchased  the  schooner 
Augusta,  of  a  hundred  tons  burden,  on  board  of  which  a  part 
of  the  Elizabetli's  cargo  was  transferred;  and  both  vessels 
immediately  proceeded  to  sea.  When  they  arrived  at  the 
entrance  of  Sherbro  sound,  it  was  found  that  the  Elizabeth 
could  proceed  no  further,  with  safety.  Mr.  Bankson  having 
returned  on  board,  from  his  visit  to  Kizell's  residence,  made  a 
report  highly  ftivourable  to  the  wishes  of  his  colleagues,  both 
as  to  the  facilities  of  landing,  and  the  conveniences  for  accom- 
modating the  people,  and  depositing  the  stores,  at  that  place. 
Kizell  had  also  offered  his  services  and  influence  with  the  king, 
to  obtain  land  for  them  on  the  continent.  Animated  and  en- 
couraged by  this  report,  they  determined  without  delay  to  have 
the  people  and  stores  conveyed  from  the  Elizabeth  to  Kizell's 
town.  The  distance  was  about  six  leagues.  On  the  20th  of 
March,  Mr.  Bacon  arrived  off  Campelar,  the  name  of  Kizell's 
settlement.  By  Kizell  he  was  received  in  the  kindest  manner. 
'•'He  wept,"  says  Bacon,  "as  we  walked  together  to  his  house." 
The  people  were  all  landed  on  that  day,  and  went  into  the 
huts  provided  by  Kizell;  and  in  the  evening  they  all  resorted 
to  the  little  church  and  had  a  joyful  season  of  prayer.  "  The 
sight  of  natives,"  says  Bacon,  "  mingling  in  our  morning  and 
evening  worship,  and  even  joining  the  tune  and  some  of  the 
words  of  our  songs  of  praise,  was  a  refreshing  one.  Mr. 
Kizell,"  he  goes  on  to  say,  "is  a  pious  man,  and  has  kept  up 
worship  among  them,  a  long  time.  I  exhorted  in  English;  he 
in  Sherbro.  This  was  an  affecting  scene  of  devotion:  it  was 
worth  living  an  age  to  participate  in  it,  with  our  feelings." 
These  favourable  impressions  of  Kizell's  piety  were  sadly 
changed,  in  the  process  of  further  intercourse:  whether  on 
just  grounds,  it  is  difficult  for  us  to  determine.  We  shall, 
however,  state  the  facts  as  they  occur,  and  leave  the  reader  to 
form  his  own  judgment  of  the  sincerity  and  integrity  of  this 
man. 

The  Cyane  having  now  arrived  at  Sierra  Leone,  Mr.  Bacon 
was  sent  for  to  advise  in  regard  to  the  future  employment  of 
this  vessel  on  the  coast.  He  therefore  left  Campelar  on  the 
24th  of  March.  On  his  way,  he  visited  George  Caulker,  at  the 
Plantain  Islands,  of  which  he  was  the  proprietor.   The  following 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  119 

is  the  account  which  he  gives  of  this  slave-dealer.  "  On  our 
arrival  at  the  Plantains,  about  twelve  o'clock  at  night,  Caulker 
was  in  bed.  He  was  awakened  and  received  us  at  the  gate  of 
his  fortress.  He  had  a  white  robe  wrapped  about  him,  and 
wore  a  turban  of  figured  cambric.  His  reception  of  us  was 
friendly.  His  house  is  covered  with  thatch  in  the  native  style, 
but  has  in  the  centre,  one  room  finished  in  the  European  style. 
He  gave  up  to  Lieutenant  Stringham  and  myself,  his  own  bed- 
room; and  afforded  comfortable  accommodation  to  the  boat- 
men. He  has  the  air  and  manners  of  a  Scottish  chieftain. 
He  was  evidently  suspicious  of  the  motives  of  our  visit,  and 
was  far  from  approving  our  errand  to  the  coast.  He  has  a 
battery  of  five  dismounted  guns,  a  high  wall  on  two  sides  of 
his  enclosure,  and  ranges  of  houses  on  the  other  sides.  He  is 
a  man  of  intelligence;  genteel  in  his  address;  has  many  wives; 
and  possesses  considerable  influence." 

Having  arrived  on  board  the  Cyane,  and  after  consultation 
it  being  resolved,  that  the  schooner  Augusta  should  be  manned 
from  the  Cyane,  Mr.  Bacon,  Lieutenant  Tovvnsend,  and  six 
men  left  Sierra  Leone,  in  an  open  boat,  and  reached  Campelar, 
on  the  30th  of  March.  From  this  time  till  the  3d  of  April,  the 
agents  were  busily  employed  in  removing  to  land  the  goods 
and  stores  on  board  the  Elizabeth;  in  erecting  store  houses, 
and  providing  accommodations  for  the  people. 

The  island  of  Sherbro  is  about  ten,  leagues  in  length,  and 
is  covered  with  a  luxuriant  vegetable  growth;  and  consists 
wholly  of  an  alluvial  soil,  which,  like  the  adjacent  country, 
rises  but  a  few  feet  above  the  sea.  It  is  separated  from  that 
part  of  the  coast  which  bears  the  same  name,  by  a  sound,  from 
one  and  a  half  to  four  leagues  in  breadth,  navigable  for  small 
vessels. 

Campelar  is  situated  near  the  middle  of  the  island,  on  the 
east  side;  and  the  ground  on  which  it  stands,  with  much  of 
the  contiguous  country,  is,  during  the  rains,  extensively  inun- 
dated. In  addition  to  the  manifest  insalubrity  of  its  situation, 
the  water  is  so  strongly  impregnated  with  foreign  substances, 
as  to  be  rendered  highly  offensive  to  the  taste.  On  this  unfa- 
vourable spot,  they  had  been  induced  to  place  their  stores,  and 
to  enter  into  an  agreement  with  the  proprietor,  to  have  the 
emigrants  remain,  until  they  could  procure  a  territory  suitable 
for  a  permanent  settlement,  from  some  of  the  kings  on  the 


120  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

neighbouring  continent:  in  effecting  which,  Kizell  promised  all 
his  influence  and  cooperation. 

The  Sherbro  country,  on  the  continent,  is  distributed  among 
a  number  of  petty  chiefs,  who  all  acknowledge  to  their  king  a 
subjection  which  is  merely  nominal;  for  they  possess  absolute 
power  in  their  respective  districts. 

The  territory  which  had  been  designated  by  the  former 
agents,  and  was  the  subject  of  the  approaching  negotiation, 
commenced  about  thirty  miles  from  Campelar,  at  the  head  of 
navigation,  in  the  Bagroo  river.  King  Fara,  who  resided  on 
the  island,  was  the  reputed  proprietor  of  the  tract,  but  had  not 
authority  to  cede  it,  without  the  advice  and  consent  of  King 
Sherbro  and  the  chiefs. 

Mr.  Bacon  soon  perceived  in  Kizell  a  disposition  to  procras- 
tinate the  general  council  of  the  chiefs,  for  which  he  was 
unable  to  account;  he  therefore  determined  to  visit  Fara  at  his 
own  residence.  Of  his  reception,  and  the  conference  which 
ensued,  the  following  narrative  is  given  by  Mr.  Bacon. 

"We  were  received  and  seated  in  the  palaver  or  council 
house,  on  native  mats.  The  king  and  head-men  of  the  tribe, 
were  arranged  on  the  opposite  side:  and  after  our  presents  had 
been  produced  and  accepted,  the  palaver  began.  I  stated 
through  Mr.  Kizell,  the  objects  of  our  visit  to  Africa,  and  the 
improvements  and  benefits  likely  to  accrue  to  the  native  tribes, 
from  our  religion,  agriculture,  and  the  mechanic  arts.  He  lis- 
tened to  my  words,  and  said  they  were  all  true;  and  professed 
to  be  highly  gratified.  He  said  he  owned  the  land,  where  we 
wanted  to  sit  down,  and  would  sell  it;  but  king  Sherbro  must 
first  be  consulted,  as  he  was  king  of  the  whole  country.  He 
promised  to  come  in  two  days  to  Campelar,  and  give  me 
further  information.  I  am  more  and  more  pleased  with  the 
Sherbro  people.  They  are  kind  and  attentive  to  our  wants. 
The  country  is  capable  of  becoming  a  continued  garden.  My 
health  is  excellent:  I  know  not  that  it  was  ever  better." 

Mr.  Bacon's  solicitude  led  him  to  visit  several  other  chiefs, 
from  all  of  whom  he  obtained  a  ready  consent  to  his  plan  of 
purchasing  land;  but  still  no  steps  were  taken  for  a  general 
council,  and  his  confidence  in  Kizell  began  to  be  considerably 
shaken.  When  he  remrned  from  this  visit  to  Campelar,  he 
found  that  several  of  the  people  exhibited  unequivocal  symp- 
toms of  a  violent  attack  of  fever.     These  symptoms  consisted 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  121 

of  pains  in  the  head,  back,  and  Hmbs,  attended  with  lassitude, 
depression  of  spirits,  and  inflammation  of  the  eyes.  On  the 
next  day  the  number  of  the  sick  amounted  to  fifteen.  Tlie 
people  now  manifested  the  utmost  impatience  to  remove  from 
Campelar,  on  account,  both  of  the  badness  of  the  water,  and 
the  insahibrity  of  the  situation.  A  spirit  of  dissatisfaction  with 
the  agents  began  also  to  be  too  evident  to  be  mistaken.  The 
freight  of  the  Elizabeth  was  not  yet  entirely  transferred  to  the 
depot  on  the  island;  and  while  Mr.  Bacon  was  kept  busy  in 
attending  to  the  safe  deposit  of  the  stores  on  shore,  Mr.  Bank- 
son  and  Dr.  Crozer  were  engaged  on  board  the  ship,  and  re- 
ceiving but  little  aid  from  the  emigrants,  they  became  much 
exhausted. 

Mr.  Bacon's  entry  in  his  journal  on  the  6th  of  April  is  as 
follows:  "We  have  now  twenty-one  sick  of  a  fever.  We  try 
the  country  practice  of  bathing,  and  ■find  it  successful  in  some 
cases.  We  have  not  tried  it  sufliciently  to  test  its  efficacy. 
The  schooner  is  now  absent  for  the  remainder  of  the  freight, 
and  Dr.  Crozer  is  with  her.  Mr.  Bankson  is  sick: — I  suppose 
on  board  the  vessel.  I  have  heard  the  complaints  of  the  peo- 
ple, this  day,  because  there  is  no  good  water  to  be  had  in  the 
island — because  they  were  brought  to  this  place — because  I  did 
not  take  possession  of  the  land  by  force — because  the  people 
are  visited  with  sickness — because  there  is  no  fresli  meat,  sugar, 
molasses,  flour,  and  other  luxuries  to  be  distributed  to  them — 
because  I  cannot  give  them  better  tobacco — because  the  ^pala- 
ver^  is  not  over — because  I  take  the  best  measures  I  can  to 
bring  it  to  a  conclusion — because  the  houses  are  not  bet- 
ter— and  because  they  have  meat  and  bread  to  eat.  They 
complain  of  every  thing  they  have;  and  are  clamorous  for 
every  thing  they  have  not.  We  have  suff'ered  much  from  the 
depredations  of  our  own  people!  Even  our  high-toned  profes- 
sors have  been  repeatedly  detected  in  petty  thefts,  falsehoods, 
and  mischiefs  of  the  most  disgraceful  nature.  I  am  pained  to 
the  heart  with  these  indications  of  gross  hypocrisy.  It  is  a 
dark  picture — but  its  shades  are  truth." 

On  the  evening  of  the  7th  of  April,  the  number  of  the  sick 
had  increased  to  twenty-five.  What  rendered  the  afliiction 
greater.  Dr.  Crozer,  who  was  almost  the  only  individual  attach- 
ed to  the  service,  capable  of  prescribing  and  preparing  the  ne- 
cessary medicines,  was  absent.  Mr.  Bacon  gave  his  own  per- 
il 


122  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

sonal  attendance  to  the  sick,  and  administered  with  his  own 
hand,  the  best  remedies  which  he  could  devise.  On  the  same 
day  he  preached  to  those  in  health,  preparatory  to  the  commu- 
nion; and  addressed  the  natives  through  Kizell. 

The  affairs  of  the  colony,  every  day,  grew  worse  and  worse. 
The  8th  of  April  was  a  day  of  aggravated  distress.  The 
schooner  returned  bringing  back  Messrs.  Bankson,  Crozer,  and 
Townsend,  all  seriously  ill,  as  also  were  two  of  the  schooner's 
crew.  Five  more  on  shore  were  added  to  the  sick,  reported  the 
day  before — making  in  all  thirty-five.  Of  these,  much  the  great- 
er part  were  adult  persons.  The  most  useful  of  the  colonists 
were,  nearly  to  an  individual,  in  the  number.  Twenty-five  of 
the  sick  exhibited  symptoms  of  a  dangerous  character;  and  all 
appeared  to  be  hourly  getting  worse.  Almost  the  whole  care 
of  the  sick,  as  well  as  of  those  in  health,  now  devolved  on  Mr. 
Bacon.  "  I  passed  the  day,"  he  writes,  "  in  visiting  the  sick,  in- 
quiring into  their  wants,  and  administering  medicines.  Where- 
ever  I  move,  I  meet  with  little  besides  groans  and  tears.  The 
fever  is  bilious,  and  in  many  cases  attended  with  delirium. 
Among  the  causes  of  the  sickness,  1  reckon  the  following  as 
the  principal: — a  too  free  use  of  the  country  fruits — the  neglect 
of  personal  cleanliness — alternate  exposure  to  the  sun,  and  the 
dampness  of  the  night — the  want  of  flooring  in  the  huts — con- 
stitutions not  seasoned  to  the  climate;  and  in  the  case  of  those 
employed  about  the  schooner,  excessive  fatigue  and  anxiety  of 
mind,  and  remaining  for  hours  in  the  water  and  in  wet  clothes, 
while  landing  the  goods.  Many  of  the  sick  absolutely  refuse 
to  take  medicines;  some  declaring  that  they  will  sooner  die 
than  submit  to  do  it." 

It  is  somewhat  remarkable,  that  in  this  list  of  causes,  Mr. 
Bacon  makes  no  mention  of  the  bad  water,  to  which  the  sick- 
ness was  afterwards  almost  solely  attributed. 

The  deleterious  nature  of  the  African  climate,  to  those  not 
acclimated,  seems  scarcely  to  have  entered  into  their  calcula- 
tion. It  is  now  well  understood,  that  the  African  fever  must 
be  expected  to  be  endured,  by  all  who  settle  in  that  region, 
unless  their  constitutions  have  been  formed  under  a  warm 
climate.  No  doubt,  however,  the  causes  mentioned  greatly 
aggravated  the  disease;  especially  the  fatigue,  and  exposure  to 
the  sun  and  night  air.  This  acclimating  fever,  in  many  in- 
stances, has  been  very  slight,  and  always  the  danger  is  tenfold 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  123 

greater  to  the  white,  than  the  black  man.  It  is  to  be  hoped, 
however,  that  new  methods  of  treatment  will  soon  be  disco- 
vered, which  will  disarm  the  disease  of  most  of  its  terrors,  even 
to  the  white  man. 

It  will  readily  be  supposed,  from  the  existing  circumstances 
of  the  colony,  that  Mr.  Bacon  could  not  pay  much  attention  to 
his  own  health.  Indeed,  he  seems  to  have  removed  personal 
considerations  entirely  from  his  view,  and  to  have  devoted  him- 
self unreservedly  to  the  suffering  people.  In  such  cases  the 
path  of  duty  cannot  be  learned  by  the  cool  calculations  of  pru- 
dence ;  and  the  censure  sometimes  passed  on  persons  who  thus 
forget  themselves  for  the  sake  of  others,  is  commonly  unjust. 
The  account  which  he  gives  of  his  daily  labours  and  trials,  at 
this  time,  will  be  best  expressed  in  his  own  words. 

"  Who  can  describe  the  burden  under  which  I  am  obliged  to 
struggle,  in  feeding  this  people,  enduring  their  complaints, 
listening  to  their  tales  of  trouble,  inquiring  into  their  sufferings, 
administering  medicines,  labouring  with  ray  own  hands  for 
them,  and  toiling  at  the  oar,  and  handling  casks,  in  unloading 
the  vessel,  and  landing  the  goods.  In  addition  to  all  this,  I 
have  the  spiritual  concerns  of  the  whole  company  to  look  after. 
I  go  without  stockings  entirely,  often  without  shoes,  scarcely 
wear  a  hat,  and  am  generally  without  a  coat ;  I  am  up  early, 
and  not  in  bed  till  ten  o'clock  at  night;  I  eat  little,  and  seldom 
use  other  refreshment,  except  hard  ship-bread,  salt  meat,  and 
water.  I  labour  more,  and  am  more  exposed  to  heat,  and  wet, 
and  damp,  and  hunger,  and  thirst,  than  any  one ;  and  yet, 
blessed  be  God,  I  continue  in  health.  In  addition  to  all  this,  I 
have  the  weight  of  the  whole  interest  on  my  mind,  all  the  care, 
all  the  responsibility,  all  the  anxiety.  But  God  be  praised,  I 
have  peace  within.  There  are  eight  entire  families  sick, 
amongst  whom  there  is  not  one  able  to  cook  his  own  food,  or 
wait  upon  a  child.     0  God !  who  can  help,  but  thou  ?" 

It  might  naturally  be  expected,  that  such  difficulties  and 
calamities  would  have  cooled  Mr.  Bacon's  zeal  for  coloniza- 
tion. Let  us  hear  then  what  he  says  on  this  subject.  "  Is  it 
asked,  do  I  yet  say,  colonize  Africa  ?  I  reply,  yes.  He  that 
has  seen  ninety-five  native  Africans  landed  together  in  America, 
and  remarked  the  effects  of  the  change  of  climate  through  the 
first  year,  has  seen  them  as  sickly  as  these.  Every  sudden 
and  unnatural  transition,  produces  illness.     The  surprising  fer- 


124  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

tility  of  the  African  soil;  the  mildness  of  the  climate  during  a 
great  part  of  the  year;  the  numerous  commercial  advantages; 
the  stores  of  fish,  and  herds  of  wild  animals  to  be  found  here, 
invite  her  scattered  children  home.  As  regards  myself,  I 
counted  the  cost  of  engaging  in  the  service  before  I  left 
America.  I  came  to  these  shores  to  die,  and  any  thing  better 
than  death,  is  better  than  I  expected." 

On  the  9th  of  April,  which  was  Sunday,  Mr.  Bacon  admin- 
istered the  holy  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  to  such  of  the 
company  as  were  Episcopalians,  and  some  Methodists,  and  at 
the  close  observed,  ''We  had  a  sweet  season."  Mr.  Bankson 
and  several  of  the  people  were  delirious  during  the  day.  None 
appeared  to  have  past  the  crisis  of  the  disease,  and  some  new 
cases  had  occurred.  Those  who  were  sick  on  board  the 
schooner,  had  not  been  removed  to  land,  and  it  was  the  wish 
of  Dr.  Crozer  and  Lieutenant  Townsend,  that  she  should  be 
sent  to  Sierra  Leone,  but  unfavourable  winds  prevented. 

The  wet  season  was  now  approaching,  and  the  impatience 
of  the  people  to  be  removed  from  Campelar  became  so  great, 
that  in  a  written  memorial  which  they  presented,  they  expressed 
the  intention  of  taking  the  direction  of  affairs  into  their  own 
hands.  Upon  which  they  were  assembled  and  remonstrated 
with,  after  which  their  groundless  agitation  subsided,  and  their 
disorderly  purpose  was  abandoned. 

It  had  now  become  apparent,  that  Kizell  had  employed  a 
secret  influence  to  produce  and  aggravate  the  disaffection  of 
the  people.  ]\Ir.  Bacon  determined,  therefore,  to  rely  no  longer 
on  his  mediation  or  agency,  in  conducting  the  negotiations. 
As  no  evidence  is  given  of  this  man's  duplicity  and  dishonesty, 
we  of  course  cannot  judge  of  his  conduct,  except  so  far  as  the 
opinion  of  Mr.  Bacon  may  be  our  guide;  but  it  is  difficult  for 
ns  to  conceive,  what  motive  he  could  have  for  promoting  dis- 
affection among  the  people,  as  he  did  not  wish  them  to  leave 
his  place.  In  such  a  state  of  distress  and  privation,  the  mind 
of  the  most  judicious  person  may  be  easily  infected  with 
groundless  suspicion.  As  this  subject  will  come  up  again,  it  is 
best  that  the  reader  should  suspend  his  judgment  of  Kizell's 
unfaithfulness,  until  the  whole  evidence  is  before  him. 

Mr.  Bacon,  in  his  intense  anxiety  to  obtain  a  place  for  a  per- 
manent settlement,  went  himself  to  visit  King  Kouber,  a  son 
of  King  Sherbro,  at  his  town,  on  the  Bagroo;  but  the  interview 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  125 

was  without  any  present  beneficial  result.  When  he  returned 
on  the  12th,  he  found  the  sickness  not  in  the  least  abated.  Dr. 
Crozer,  apprehending  a  fatal  issue  in  his  own  case,  formally 
committed  his  agency  to  the  Rev.  Daniel  Coker,  a  coloured 
man,  of  the  Methodist  denomination,  to  which  he  himself  also 
belonged;  and  awaited  the  closing  scene  of  his  life  with  com- 
posure. One  person  died  on  shore,  this  day,  and  several  new 
cases  of  fever  occurred.  On  board  the  Augusta,  a  very  un- 
pleasant event  took  place.  Mr.  Townsend  in  a  fit  of  delirium, 
came  out  of  his  berth,  on  deck,  and  fell  overboard,  and  was 
with  great  difficulty  saved  from  a  watery  grave ;  and  the  vio- 
lence of  the  fever  was  increased  by  the  accident.  On  the 
15th  of  April,  the  number  of  the  sick  amounted  to  forty;  on 
which  day,  Dr.  Crozer  died  on  board  the  Augusta. 

On  the  16th,  Lieutenant  John  S.  Townsend  departed  this 
life;  and  also,  one  of  the  sick  on  shore.  The  seamen  of  the 
Augusta  carried  the  remains  of  Messrs.  Crozer  and  Townsend 
on  shore,  and  buried  them  with  the  honours  of  war. 

Mr.  Bankson  appeared  to  be  convalescent,  and  was  removed 
on  shore;  but  Mr.  Dugan,  a  young  man  who  accompanied 
Mr.  Bacon,  was  now  seized:  and  on  the  following  day,  Mr. 
Bacon  himself  began  to  feel  unwell;  and  on  the  two  following 
days  his  disorder  increased.  He  therefore  adjusted  his  ac- 
counts; and  began  to  contemplate  the  prospect  of  his  own  end. 
The  heavy  weight  of  care  and  anxiety  which  burdened  his 
mind,  proved  very  unfavourable  to  his  recovery.  His  chief 
concern  to  the  last,  seemed  to  be  for  the  people  of  his  charge. 
In  contemplating  his  own  death,  he  saw  little,  except  a  bright 
and  boundless  expanse  of  glory,  piercing  with  its  light  the 
gloom  which  hung  over  the  dying  scene.  But  his  heart  was 
wrung  with  the  contemplation  of  the  event,  as  it  would  affect 
the  colonists  and  the  success  of  the  expedition.  On  this  theme 
he  vented  his  feelings  in  the  most  pathetic  language.  But  even 
in  this  heaviest,  and  doubtless,  his  last  trial,  he  found  relief,  by 
a  vigorous  effort  of  faith  in  the  mercy  of  God;  and  by  ulti- 
mately confiding  in  the  wisdom  and  righteousness  of  all  his 
purposes.  The  last  expression  which  he  committed  to  paper, 
arising  out  of  the  gloomy  prospect  of  the  colony,  was  accom- 
panied by  the  words,  "  Thy  will  be  done." 

From  the  22d  of  April,  to  the  28th,  there  was  no  intelligent 
friend  near  him  to  observe  the  progress  of  his  symptoms,  or 
11* 


126  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

administer  the  medicines  and  comforts  which  his  case  de- 
manded. He  had  resigned  himself  into  the  hands  of  God,  and 
waited  submissively,  the  result  of  his  afflictive  dispensation. 

The  want  of  fraternal  sympathy,  and  even  common  huma- 
nity was  manifested,  by  the  colony  at  Sierra  Leone.  Their 
own  sufferings  in  a  similar  way,  one  would  have  thought  might 
have  taught  them  the  duty  of  aiding  their  suffering  brethren. 
But  they  not  only  neglected  to  send  to  Sherbro  any  medical 
aid,  but  when  applied  to  for  a  physician,  refused  to  comply 
with  the  request.  While  Mr.  Bacon  was  lying  sick,  a  schooner 
from  Freetown  anchored  in  sight  of  Campelar.  Two  persons 
were  sent  on  shore  in  a  barge,  not  to  inquire  after  the  health 
of  the  people,  but  on  some  trivial  errand:  one  of  them  also 
was  an  acting  physician;  but  no  entreaties  of  the  dying,  suffer- 
ing people,  could  prevail  with  them  to  remain,  or  to  administer 
any  medicine  to  the  sick,  or  to  give  any  advice.  Indeed,  they 
manifested  a  most  unfeeling  indifference.  It  was  with  much 
difficulty  they  could  be  prevailed  on  to  agree  to  receive  Mr. 
Bacon  on  board,  who  was  anxious  to  be  taken  from  Campelar, 
and  to  be  conveyed  to  Sierra  Leone,  in  the  hope  of  obtaining 
medical  aid.  But  when  the  boat  in  which  they  carried  him 
came  in  sight  of  the  schooner,  they  weighed  anchor  and  set 
sail  for  Sierra  Leone.  He  directed  the  boatmen  to  row  hard 
to  overtake  the  vessel;  and  though  they  followed  at  a  moderate 
distance  for  six  hours,  they  were  unable  to  overtake  her,  and 
the  schooner  never  slackened  sail  to  permit  the  boat  to  come 
up.  Thus,  for  six  hours  was  Mr.  Bacon  exposed  to  the  burn- 
ing sun,  while  suffering  under  the  African  fever.  He  now 
directed  the  boatmen  to  make  for  the  Plantain  Islands.  After 
spending  the  night  on  shore,  he  was  on  the  30th  of  April,  con- 
veyed in  the  open  boat  to  Cape  Shilling,  where  he  arrived  in 
the  evening  of  this  day;  and  where  he  was  very  hospitably 
received  by  Captain  William  Randal,  the  superintendent  of  the 
station.  And  though  he  now  received  every  friendly  attention 
which  his  case  required,  his  disorder  was  too  far  advanced  to 
be  subdued.  His  body  and  mind  were  both  completely  pros- 
trated; and  though  he  made  some  feeble  attempts  to  engage  in 
conversation  with  his  host,  who  seems  to  have  been  a  pious 
man,  his  sentences  were  so  broken,  that  it  was  evident  that  he 
was  hastening  rapidly  to  his  end. 

On  the  first  day  of  May,  he  uttered  the  last  words  which  he 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  127 

ever  spoke,  and  at  four  o'clock  next  morning,  he  fell  asleep  in 
Jesus.  He  was  interred  on  the  same  day, in  the  burying  ground 
attached  to  the  church  in  that  settlement.  And  though  depo- 
sited by  the  hands  of  strangers,  on  a  foreign  and  a  pagan  shore, 
his  body  rests  under  the  sure  protection  of  the  Christian's  Savi- 
our, and  in."  the  certain  hope  of  a  glorious  resurrection." 

Mr.  Bankson,  the  colleague  of  Mr.  Bacon,  continued  to 
amend  for  a  few  days,  when  he  suffered  a  fatal  relapse,  and 
was  carried  off  on  the  13th  of  May.  Mr.  Dugan  recovered, 
and  returned  to  the  United  States.  The  whole  crew  of  the 
Augusta  fell  a  sacrifice  to  the  deleterious  climate,  and  of  the 
emigrants  about  twenty  or  twenty-five  died.  The  remainder 
in  a  few  weeks  regained  their  health. 

The  life  of  Bacon  was  written  by  the  lamented  Ashm.un, 
who  followed  in  the  same  career,  and  lost  his  life  in  the 
same  cause.  Bacon's  character  was  strongly  marked;  and 
his  life,  for  its  short  period,  was  uncommonly  eventful.  Few 
cases  are  on  record,  in  which  any  young  man  surmounted 
more  obstacles  in  obtaining  a  liberal  education ;  but  his 
energy  and  perseverance  carried  him  through  every  diffi- 
culty ;  so  that  he  was  enabled  at  last,  to  take  his  first  degree 
in  the  arts,  in  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  respectable  institu- 
tions in  the  country.  His  constitution  was  ardent,  and  his 
mind  naturally  vigorous,  and  inclined  to  be  enthusiastic.  En- 
terprises promising  great  good  to  society  and  posterity,  took 
a  strong  hold  of  his  feelings,  and  in  the  prosecution  of  objects 
of  public  interest  and  importance,  he  almost  entirely  forgot 
himself,  and  was  willing  to  run  every  risk,  and  endure  every 
fatigue.  The  scheme  of  the  American  Colonization  Society 
was  one  exactly  suited  to  his  ardent  and  benevolent  mind;  and 
although  he  was  aware  of  the  dangers  which  surrounded  it,  he 
never  drew  back  nor  hesitated,  but  went  forward  with  a  zeal 
and  confidence  and  energy  which  never  forsook  him,  until 
under  the  pressure  of  disease  he  breathed  out  his  soul.  Minds 
of  a  cast  so  noble  and  enterprising,  and  actuated  by  a  benevo- 
lence so  pure  and  unremitted,  deserve  to  be  held  in  grateful 
remembrance  by  those  who  come  after  them ;  and  especially 
should  the  memory  of  Bacon  be  cherished  by  the  friends  of 
Colonization  to  the  latest  period  of  time. 


128  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

STATE  OF  THE  COLONY  AFTER  THE  DEATH  OF  THE  AGENTS. 

The  Board  at  Washington  had  been  greatly  encouraged  by  the 
communications  from  their  Agent,  after  the  arrival  of  the  Eliza- 
beth; but  this  bright  prospect  was  soon  clouded  by  the  melan- 
choly accounts  of  the  death  of  all  the  agents,  and  of  a  con- 
siderable number  of  the  best  of  the  colonists  sent  out.  They 
were  also  deeply  affected  with  the  unhappy  fate  of  the  officer 
and  boat's-crew  of  the  Cyane.  But  though  discouraged,  they 
could  not  see  in  any  or  all  these  circumstances,  the  total  failure 
of  their  attempt.  They  concluded,  that  the  sickness  and  deaths 
which  had  occurred,  did  not  prove  that  a  fatal  and  inevitable 
disease  rendered  the  whole  coast  of  Africa  uninhabitable  to 
strangers ;  for  out  of  the  whole  number  of  eighty-eight  emi- 
grants, about  seventy  who  had  been  exposed,  had  survived  and 
recovered;  and  many  instances  of  a  much  greater  mortality 
had  occurred  in  various  places,  owing  to  other  causes  than  a 
pernicious  peculiarity  of  climate.  The  Board  seem  to  have 
cherished  some  degree  of  delusion  in  regard  to  the  climate  of 
the  western  coast  of  Africa,  especially  as  it  relates  to  white  per- 
sons. They  were  disposed  to  attribute  the  sickness  and  mor- 
tality which  had  taken  place,  almost  entirely  to  local  causes, 
and  unfavourable  circumstances  in  the  situation  of  the  colonists, 
and  the  unfortunate  period  of  the  Elizabeth's  arrival;  it  being 
near  the  commencement  of  the  rainy  season.  The  want  of 
preparation  and  accommodation  for  their  reception,  and  the 
early  death  of  Dr.  Crozer,  which  left  them  without  medical  aid 
or  advice,  were  also  among. the  unfavourable  circumstances. 
That  the  sickness  and  mortality  were  not  owing  only  or  chiefly 
to  the  peculiar  unhealthiness  of  the  Island  of  Sherbro,  is  evident 
from  the  fact,  that  Lieutenant  Townsend,  Mr.  Bankson,  and  Dr. 
Crozer,  together  with  the  whole  crew  of  the  boat,  took  the 
fever  and  died,  although  they  had  not  resided  on  the  island. 
And  recent  facts  abundantly  show,  that  all  foreigners  coming 
on  this  coast,  are  liable  to  a  fever,  which  is  more  or  less  dan- 
gerous, according  to  the  constitutions  and  circumstances  of  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  129 

patients ;  it  being,  in  general,  much  more  fatal  to  white  than  to 
black  men. 

The  Board  encouraged  themselves  by  the  ultimate  success 
of  Sierra  Leone,  and  the  other  colonies  in  this  country,  although 
many  disasters  attended  their  first  settlement ;  and  the  patrons 
of  the  enterprise  appeared  generally  unwilling  that  the  coloni- 
zation of  the  free  people  of  colour  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa, 
should  be  abandoned,  and  manifested  still  a  willingness  to 
contribiUe  to  the  funds  of  the  society.  It  was,  therefore, 
determined  by  the  Board  to  persevere  in  their  efforts  in  this 
benevolent  cause.  Much  credit  is  due  to  them  for  their  for- 
titude and  zeal;  and  it  is  believed  that  their  misapprehension 
of  the  true  causes  of  the  sickness  and  mortality,  was  overruled 
for  good. 

The  early  death  of  the  agents,  had  prevented  the  acquisition 
of  a  territory  for  the  colony.  Mr.  Bacon,  as  we  have  related, 
exerted  himself  to  the  utmost  to  effect  this  object,  but  died  be- 
fore it  could  be  accomplished ;  and  Kizell,  who,  they  trusted, 
would,  by  his  influence  with  the  native  kings,  greatly  facilitate 
their  negotiations,  fell  under  a  suspicion  of  unfaithfulness,  and 
even  by  Mr.  Bacon  was  judged  to  have  failed  in  zeal  and 
promptitude,  in  promoting  this  object. 

Dr.  Crozer,  the  agent  of  the  Colonization  Society,  when  near 
his  end,  having  solemnly  committed  the  agency  with  which  he 
had  been  entrusted,  to  the  Rev.  Daniel  Coker,  a  coloured 
preacher,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  denomination,  and  both 
the  government  agents  being  dead,  the  whole  burden  and 
responsibility  of  providing  for  the  welfare  of  the  colony  de- 
volved on  this  man.  In  his  communications  to  the  society  he 
informed  them,  that  the  sick  were  gradually  recovering,  and 
that  the  whole  number  of  the  emigrants  who  had  died,  did  not 
exceed  twenty-five.  In  his  letter,  he  says, "  Although  we  have 
met  with  such  trials,  and  are  here  a  small  handful,  and  our  pro- 
visions running  low,  and  we  in  a  strange  and  heathen  land,  and 
have  not  heard  from  America,  and  know  not  whether  any  more 
people  or  provisions  will  be  sent  out — and  though  we  know 
not  what  is  to  become  of  us,  far  distant  from  our  families  and 
our  friends;  yet  thank  the  Lord,  my  confidence  is  strong  in  the 
veracity  of  his  promises,  and  in  the  honour  of  your  society, 
and  the  government.  Last  Lord's  day,  I  preached  in  the 
King's  town,  and  administered  the  Lord's  supper  to  our  little 


130  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN*    COLONIZATION. 

society,  in  presence  of  many  natives.  It  was  a  glorious  time  ; 
some  natives  were  affected.  Tell  my  brethren  to  come — not 
to  fear — this  land  is  good — it  only  wants  men  to  possess  it." 

It  seems,  therefore,  that  the  colonists  themselves  were  not 
altogether  disheartened  by  the  disasters  which  they  had  suf- 
fered; at  least,  this  was  the  fact  with  regard  to  Coker,  whose 
wife  and  children  were  still  in  America. 

In  another  part  of  his  letter,  we  find,  that  he  had  even  begun 
to  make  some  efforts  to  instruct  the  natives,  "  I  have  opened," 
says  he,  "a  little  Sunday-school  for  native  children — I  teach 
out  of  doors — some  can  spell.  0  sir,  it  would  do  your  heart 
good,  to  see  the  little  naked  sons  of  Africa  around  me  and 
Peck,  and  the  parents  looking  on  with  wonder."  "  Tell  the 
coloured  people  to  come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord — let 
nothing  discourage  the  society,  or  the  coloured  people." 

Coker  being  thus  left  in  sole  charge  of  the  colony,  and  of  all 
the  stores  brought  out  in  the  Elizabeth,  very  naturally  felt  a 
heavy  weight  of  responsibility  resting  on  him,  and  was  unwil- 
ling to  take  any  step  without  the  advice  of  some  one,  on  whose 
judgment  he  could  depend.  He  thereupon  determined  to  go  to 
Sierra  Leone,  and  consult  Governor  McCarthy,  what  course  it 
would  be  prudent  for  him  to  pursue.  He  was  very  kindly 
received  by  the  Governor,  and  was  invited  to  call  frequently 
upon  him. 

By  the  advice  of  Governor  McCarthy,  Coker  resolved  to  re- 
main some  time  at  Sierra  Leone,  in  the  hope,  that  an  Ame- 
rican vessel  would  arrive;  and  to  his  great  joy,  the  John 
Adams,  arrived  at  Sierra  Leone,  bringing  letters  and  some 
supplies  for  the  colonists.  Coker  speaks  in  the  highest  terms 
of  the  conduct  of  Captain  Wadsworth  and  his  officers.  One 
important  service  which  they  rendered  was,  repairing  the  little 
schooner  which  Mr.  Bacon  had  purchased ;  but  they  aided  the 
colonists  in  various  other  ways. 

It  will  be  satisfactory  to  hear  from  Captain  Alexander  S. 
Wadsworth  himself,  an  account  of  the  situation  of  these  afflicted 
emigrants,  which  we  find  in  a  letter  addressed  to  Elias  B.  Cald- 
well, Esq.,  the  Secretary  of  the  American  Colonization  Society. 
"  1  found  Mr.  Coker,"  says  he,  "  on  whom  all  the  affairs  of  the 
settlement  had  devolved,  by  the  death  of  the  agents,  at  Sierra 
Leone,  in  a  state  of  the  greatest  despondency,  and  on  the  point 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  131 

of  abandoning  the  settlement.  I  advised  him  to  sustain  him- 
self in  his  present  situation,  till  he  should  receive  instructions 
from  the  United  States,  as  the  ultimate  success  of  the  colony 
depended  so  materially  on  such  a  course.  I  delivered  to  him 
the  presents  I  had  brought  out  in  the  ship,  with  a  few  necessa- 
ries and  groceries  from  the  officers  of  the  ship,  and  despatched 
an  officer  and  a  boat  with  him  to  Sherbro,  to  render  him  such 
aid  as  he  might  deem  necessary,  and  to  obtain  all  the  informa- 
tion in  his  power.  .  .  .  He  left  us  greatly  encouraged,  and  in 
good  spirits;  and  confident,  with  the  assistance  we  afforded 
him,  that  he  should  be  able  to  act  so  as  to  meet  the  wishes  of 
the  Colonization  Society."* 

We  have  also  a  letter  from  Edward  Trenchard,  captain  of 
the  Cyane,  addressed  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy.  From  this 
letter  it  appears,  that  the  spirit  of  insubordination  among  the 
emigrants  had  been  far  more  alarming,  than  would  be  inferred 
from  any  accounts  which  we  have  yet  given.  Coker  informed 
Captain  Trenchard,  that  this  spirit  had  manifested  itself  on 
board  the  Elizabeth,  during  the  voyage,  and  had  continued  to 
increase  after  landing,  notwithstanding  the  unremitted  efl'orts 
of  Mr.  Bacon  and  the  other  agents,  to  quell  it;  and  that  on  the 
death  of  Mr.  Bacon,  the  emigrants  fell  into  a  state  of  total  dis- 
order, openly  declaring  that  they  knew  no  authority,  and 
would  not  be  controlled;  stealing,  and  pilfering  whenever  an 
opportunity  offered,  and  threatening  the  acting  agent,  if  he 
attempted  to  restrain  them.  The  natives,  observing  their  dis- 
union and  feuds,  instigated  by  cupidity  and  avarice,  took 
advantage  of  their  ignorance  and  disagreement,  and  would  not 
assist,  or  afford  them  any  relief.  Coker  apprehending  violence 
from  the  emigrants,  if  he  remained  at  Sherbro,  determined  to 
remove  the  people  and  stores  to  Sierra  Leone. 

Both  the  captains,  Wadsworth  and  Trenchard,  finding  the 
agents  of  the  government  to  receive  re-captured  slaves,  dead, 
were  at  a  loss  what  they  should  do  with  any  slaves  which 
they  might  capture;  but  both  resolved  to  send  them  into  Sierra 
Leone.  It  appears,  however,  that  five  slavers  were  sent  into 
the  ports  of  the  United  States,  and  condemned;  four  of  these 
were  taken  by  the  Cyane,  and  one  by  the  Hornet.  By  per- 
mission of  the  authorities  of  Sierra  Leone,  the  emigrants 
were  removed  to  a  particular  spot  near  Freetown.     Novem- 

*  See  also  Captain  Wadsworth's  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


132  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION', 

ber  20th,  Mr.  Coker  addressed  a  letter  to  tlie  Secretary  of  the 
Colonization  Society,  but  it  contains  no  particular  information. 
The  officers  of  the  John  Adams,  on  leaving  the  coast,  made  up 
a  handsome  present  which  they  sent  to  Coker,  the  acting  agent. 
He  never  mentions  the  officers  of  the  United  States  vessels,  but 
with  the  warmest  commendations. 

Early  in  1821,  the  brig  Nautilus,  having  on  board  two  agents, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  E.  Bacon  and  Mr.  Winn,  appointed  by  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  to  reside  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  and 
two  agents  of  the  Colonization  Society,  viz,  the  Rev.  Joseph 
Andrus  and  Mr.  C.  Wiltberger,  sailed  from  Norfolk  for  the  coast 
of  Africa.  The  same  vessel  also  carried  out  a  select  company 
of  coloured  people,  consisting  of  twenty-eight  effective  labour- 
ers and  a  number  of  children,  to  recruit  the  party  sent  out  under 
the  direction  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Bacon,  the  preceding  year. 

The  agents  were  instructed  to  proceed  to  Sierra  Leone,  and 
there  debark  the  people  under  the  temporary  protection  of  the 
authorities  of  that  colony;  which,  from  the  amicable  disposition 
they  had  uniformly  evinced  in  relation  to  the  establishment 
contemplated  by  the  society  on  that  coast,  it  was  presumed 
would  be  generously  afforded.  The  temporary  establishment 
at  Sierra  Leone  seemed  a  matter  of  necessity,  since  the  nego- 
tiations for  the  Bagroo  territory  had  entirely  failed. 

The  Nautilus  arrived  at  Sierra  Leone  on  the  9th  of  March, 
and  received  readily  from  the  acting  government,  the  protec- 
tion which  they  solicited.  An  arrangement  was  concluded 
with  the  proprietors  of  an  extensive  and  cultivated  plantation, 
situated  on  Foura  Bay,  within  the  jurisdiction,  and  in  the  imme- 
diate vicinity  of  Freetown,  by  which  they  became  possessed  of 
every  accommodation  which  their  health  and  comfort  required. 
Having  secured  a  lease  of  this  estate  for  an  indefinite  time,  the 
agents  had  leisure  to  prosecute  their  inquiries  and  observations 
to  different  parts  of  the  coast,  with  a  view  to  the  selection  and 
purchase  of  a  territory,  the  most  advantageously  situated  for 
the  purposes  of  the  settlement;  and  to  this  object  their  atten- 
tion was  immediately  directed.  After  careful  examination  of 
all  circumstances,  they  relinquished  all  idea  of  making  any  fur- 
ther attempt  to  acquire  the  Bagroo  country,  from  king  Sherbro. 
They  were  led  to  adopt  this  resolution,  not  only  from  the  sup- 
posed sickliness  of  the  country,  and  the  difficulty  of  getting  the 
chiefs  to  agree  to  a  cession  of  the  land  on  any  reasonable  terras; 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN'    COLONIZATION.  133 

but  they  were  greatly  influenced  by  the  consideration,  that  this 
country  lay  too  near  to  tlie  possessions  of  the  rapidly  increasing 
colony  of  Sierra  Leone,  with  which  it  was  important  to  be  on  the 
most  amicable  terms.  And  in  pursuing  this  course  the  agents 
were  happy  to  find,  that  they  met  the  views  of  the  members  of 
the  colonial  government  of  Sierra  Leone. 

It  was  determined,  therefore,  to  explore  the  coast  as  far  south 
as  Bassa  Cove  ;  and  Mr.  Andrus,  agent  of  the  Colonization  So- 
ciety, and  Mr.  Bacon,  (brother  of  the  person  deceased,)  agent 
of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  undertook  to  perform 
this  exploring  tour:  but  as  Mr.  Bacon's  journal  has  been  pub- 
lished, and  is  highly  interesting,  an  account  of  this  coasting  voy- 
age will  be  given  in  the  next  chapter. 

It  may  be  proper  before  we  proceed  further,  to  take  some 
notice  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Society  at  Washington,  at  their 
anniversary  meeting  on  the  18th  of  January,  1821.  Judge 
Washington  being  prevented  from  attending,  by  illness,  Hon. 
Henry  Clay  was  called  to  the  chair,  and  delivered  on  the  occa- 
sion, an  eloquent  and  animating  address.  The  whole  proceed- 
ings manifest  any  thing  rather  than  a  spirit  of  despondency. 
Speeches  of  a  highly  encouraging  nature  were  delivered  by 
the  Hon.  Daniel  P.  Cook,  Hon.  C.  F.  Mercer,  and  Francis 
S.  Key,  Esq.  A  resolution  was  passed,  expressing  lively 
regret  for  the  untimely  death  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Bacon  and 
John  P.  Bankson,  agents  of  the  government;  and  of  Samuel 
A.  Crozer,  agent  of  the  Colonization  Society;  with  a  respectful 
tribute  to  their  memory. 

A  resolution  was  also  passed,  giving  the  thanks  of  the  socie- 
ty to  Captains  Trenchard  and  Wadsworlh,  and  to  the  officers 
and  crews  of  their  respective  vessels,  and  also  to  Captain  Ran- 
dall of  Cape  Shilling,  for  their  kindness  to  the  colonists  and 
agents. 

The  society,  at  this  meeting,  directed  a  memorial  to  be  laid 
before  Congress,  on  the  subject  of  the  suppression  of  the  slave- 
trade,  and  the  intimate  connexion  of  that  subject  with  the  suc- 
cess of  the  colonization  scheme. 

This  memorial  having  been  committed,  a  very  favourable 
report  was  brought  in;  in  which  it  was  proposed  to  Congress, 
to  make  the  offence  of  being  concerned  in  carrying  on  the  slave 
trade,  piracy. 

In  the  Annual  Report  of  the  society  for  this  year,  (1821,) 
12 


134  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

there  is  an  important  and  interesting  report  of  the  trial  of  the 
schooner  Plattsburg.  The  opinion  of  Judge  Van  Ness  is  given 
in  full,  and  is  eloquent,  and  contains  sound  and  discriminating 
views. 

This  vessel  sailed  from  Baltimore  in  December,  1819.  In 
the  following  April,  she  was  found  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  offi- 
cered and  manned  by  Americans,  except  a  Spaniard  by  the 
name  of  Gonzales,  who  was  nominally  the  captain  of  the  ves- 
sel. These  circumstances,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Judge,  justified 
the  commander  of  the  Cyane  in  seizing  her,  and  sending  her  in 
for  adjudication;  and  after  a  full  examination  of  the  case,  it 
appeared  very  clearly,  that  this  vessel  had  been  fitted  out  in 
Baltimore, for  the  slave-trade;  but  that  to  cover  the  transaction 
this  Spaniard  had  been  put  on  board  as  the  nominal  commander 
of  the  vessel;  and  a  fraudulent  transfer  of  the  cargo  to  a  man 
who  went  out  as  supercargo  had  been  made. 

After  a  fair  and  open  trial,  the  schooner  was  condemned  un- 
der the  law  of  the  United  States  prohibiting  the  slave-trade; 
and  upon  the  facts,  considered  by  the  Judge  sufficiently  estab- 
lished by  the  evidence,  that  she  was  at  the  time  of  seizure, 
American  property,  and  that  the  voyage  originated  in  a  port  of 
the  United  States. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  COLONY  UNDER  MESSRS.  E.  BACON  AND  ANDRUS. 

Although  Mr.  Bacon  will  repeat  some  things  contained  in  the 
preceding  chapters,  yet  we  beheve  that  our  readers  will  be 
gratified  with  the  following  details  extracted  from  his  journal, 
as  it  is  the  testimony  of  an  intelligent  eye-witness. 

"We  left  Norfolk  on  the  21st  of  January,  1821,  and  on  the 
23d  sailed  from  Hampton  Roads.  For  about  thirty  days  we 
encountered  head  winds  and  strong  gales,  and  made  slow  pro- 
gress. During  this  time  I  was  very  sea-sick,  as  were  also  Mrs. 
Bacon,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Andrus.  The  other  agents  were  less 
affected;  some  of  the  colonists  suffered  from  the  same  malady. 
Our  captain  was  remarkably  kind  and  attentive  to  those  who 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  135 

were  sick,  and  particularly  to  Mrs.  Bacon  and  myself,  when 
we  were  unable  to  wait  upon  ourselves,  for  which  kindness  1 
shall  always  feel  myself  under  very  many  obligations  to  him; 
and  I  think  I  speak  the  sentiments  of  my  colleagues.  Nothing 
uncommon  occurred  during  our  voyage,  except  that  we  expe- 
rienced a  very  severe  gale  of  wind,  accompanied  with  a  snow 
storm,  which  our  captain  told  us  was  more  violent  than  any  he 
had  known  during  the  preceding  twenty  years.  It  was  indeed 
a  time  to  try  our  faith. 

"At  the  commencement  of  the  voyage,  we  established 
morning  and  evening  prayers  in  the  cabin,  as  v/ell  as  in  the 
steerage,  where  the  coloured  people  were  ;  in  these  we  enjoyed 
the  consolations  of  the  religion  we  profess. 

"  We  had  all  recovered  from  sea-sickness,  and  having  arrived 
within  the  tropics,  where  the  weather  was  fine  and  the  wind 
favourable,  our  passage  was  more  agreeable.  Nothing  un- 
common occurred  during  the  remainder  of  our  voyage.  But  a 
continuation  of  the  mercies  of  our  heavenly  Father  was  daily 
bestowed  on  us.  On  the  morning  of  the  Sth  of  March,  we  had 
a  distant  view  of  the  mountains  of  Sierra  Leone,  which  was 
really  animating  to  us  after  crossing  the  Atlantic.  We  felt  our- 
selves approaching  towards  that  much  injured  country,  where 
we  expected  to  labour,  and  to  suffer  many  and  great  afflictions. 
We  were  cheered  with  the  hope,  that  through  the  assistance  of 
Divine  grace,  we  should  be,  in  a  greater  or  less  degree,  useful 
among  the  degraded  children  of  Africa.  The  wind  was  fair, 
but  rather  light,  as  is  not  uncommon  in  the  dry  season.  We 
soon  hove  in  sight  of  Cape  Sierra  Leone,  when  we  discovered, 
for  the  first  time,  several  native  canoes  approaching  toward  us. 
These  excited  our  curiosity.  They  were  manned  by  the  native 
Kroomen,  in  a  state  of  nudity,  or  nearly  so.  When  I  speak  of 
naked  people,  it  may  be  always  understood  that  they  wear  a 
cloth  about  their  loins,  and  that  the  men  generally  wear  hats. 
These  hats  are  manufactured  out  of  a  kind  of  grass.  The 
chiefs  and  head-men  often  wear  common  Englisli  hats. 

"We  soon  discovered  a  fine  English  barge  approaching  us, 
rowed  by  natives.  In  this  were  the  harbour  master,  George 
Macaulay,  and  S.  Easton,  Esqs.,  (of  the  house  of  the  honoura- 
ble K.  JNIacaulay,)  who  very  politely  gave  us  much  interesting 
information  relative  to  our  American  blacks  at  Sherbro.  As 
we  approached  near  the  harbour,  they  gave   the   American 


136  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

agents  a  friendly  invitation  to  go  on  shore  in  the  barge,  and 
take  lodgings  at  their  house.  As  the  principal  agent  concluded 
to  remain  on  board,  Mrs.  Bacon  and  myself  thought  proper 
not  to  slight  their  politeness,  our  accommodations  in  the  brig 
being  somewhat  circumscribed,  and  the  transition  from  Nor- 
folk, where  the  cold  was  excessive,  to  Sierra  Leone,  where  the 
degrees  of  heat  were  at  noon  day  from  85  to  ST^  in  the  shade, 
making  a  visit  to  land  desirable.  Moreover  the  services  of  all 
the  agents  were  not  required  to  attend  to  the  wants  of  the 
people.  We  accordingly  went  on  shore,  where  we  were 
poHtely  and  hospitably  entertained  for  several  days. 

"  The  agents  of  the  United  States,  together  with  those  of  the 
society,  soon  had  an  interview  with  the  Rev.  Daniel  Coker,  by 
whom  we  learnt  the  condition  of  the  American  settlers  at 
Sherbro.  He  informed  us  that  the  mortality,  although  severely 
felt  in  the  loss  of  our  valuable  agents,  and  Mr.  Townsend, 
commandant  of  the  United  States  schooner  Augusta,  together 
with  six  of  his  men,  and  a  boy,  was  not  so  great  as  at  first 
reported.  The  whole  number  of  blacks  who  died,  did  not 
exceed  twenty-three,  out  of  the  eighty-eight  sent  out  in  the 
ship  Elizabeth.  Several  of  those  deaths  were  not  caused  by 
the  prevailing  fever.  The  actual  number  of  blacks  who  died 
with  fever,  did  not  exceed  eighteen  or  nineteen,  all  of  whom 
died  at  Kizell's  Place.  Although  very  many  of  the  settlers 
were  extremely  ill  when  they  left  Kizzell's  Place,  and  removed 
to  Yonie,  a  more  healthy  part  of  Sherbro  island,  and  the  time 
of  their  removal  was  the  month  of  August,  in  the  midst  of  the 
rainy  season,  slill  no  deaths  by  fever  occurred  at  Yonie;  but  on 
the  contrary,  a  general  recovery  took  place,  notwithstanding 
there  was  no  medical  aid.  The  sickness  at  Kizell's  Place 
was  evidently  in  a  great  degree  owing  to  local  causes ;  the 
water  alone  is  said  to  be  sufficiently  bad  to  create  malignant 
disorders,  though  Kizell  was  base  enough  to  assert  that  it  con- 
tained peculiar  qualities  highly  conducive  to  health.  That, 
and  other  false  assertions,  induced  the  former  agents  to  receive 
his  offer  of  friendship ;  pretending,  as  he  did,  to  unbounded 
influence  among  the  native  chiefs;  an  ardent  desire  to  further 
the  benevolent  objects  of  our  government  and  the  society;  to 
benefit  America ;  to  meliorate  the  condition  of  the  African 
race,  and  propagate  the  glorious  gospel  of  God  in  a  heathen 
land. 


t 

HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  137 

"After  making  other  necessary  inquiries  of  Mr.  Coker,  and 
of  those  gentlemen  in  Sierra  Leone,  with  whom  we  were  most 
conversant ;  also  of  some  of  the  American  blacks  who  went 
out  with  Paul  Cuffee,  and  of  Nathaniel  Peck,  who  accompa- 
nied the  first  expedition ;  we  were  fully  satisfied  that  Mr. 
Coker  had  managed  the  business  of  the  expedition,  after  the 
decease  of  the  former  agents,  in  as  judicious  a  manner  as  the 
circumstances  of  the  case  would  admit. 

"We  lost  no  time  after  our  arrival,  in  communicating  with 
the  acting  governor,  his  honour  John  Grant,  upon  the  subject 
of  our  mission.  The  American  agents  received  a  polite  invi- 
tation to  breakfast  with  him  at  the  Government  House  on 
Saturday  morning,  the  lOtli  of  March.  We  there  met  his  excel- 
lency, together  with  his  honourable  council,  after  partaking  of 
a  sumptuous  breakfast  of  great  variety,  served  up  in  elegant 
style. 

"'  The  several  benevolent  objects  of  our  government,  and 
those  of  the  society  were  fully  explained,  and  an  open  and 
candid  exposition  of  our  instructions  made  after  this  friendly 
interview.  His  excellency  gave  us  a  very  polite  invitation  to 
dine  at  the  Government  House,  on  Tuesday  the  13th  of  March; 
which  we  did  accordingly,  and  partook  of  an  elegant  dinner, 
served  up  in  much  splendour.  There  were  at  table  a  number 
of  the  principal  gentlemen,  officers  of  the  colonial  government, 
Spanish  commissioners,  English  missionaries,  and  several  ladies. 

"The  very  friendly  disposition  which  the  colonial  authonties 
manifested  towards  the  objects  of  our  mission,  may  be  seen  by 
a  reference  to  the  Sierra  Leone  Gazette. 

"  A  meeting  of  all  the  agents,  together  with  Mr.  Coker,  took 
place,  when  it  was  unanimously  agreed  to  relinquish  the  idea 
of  making  any  further  attempt  to  negotiate  for  lands  in  the 
Sherbro  country;  and  that  two  of  the  agents  should  cause  the 
United  States  schooner  Augusta,  which  was  lying  at  anchor  in 
the  harbour  at  Sierra  Leone,  to  undergo  some  slight  repairs  for 
the  purpose  of  exploring  the  coast  in  search  of  a  suitable  site 
for  an  American  settlement ;  moreover,  it  was  resolved  that  no 
time  should  be  lost,  as  we  were  taught  by  our  instructions  to 
regard  the  acquisition  of  lands  for  a  settlement,  as  a  matter  of 
primary  importance. 

"  Having  a  discretion  on  this  subject,  it  was  determined  after 
advising  with  the  English  missionaries  and  agents  at  Sierra 
12* 


138  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Leone,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Andrus  and  myself  should  be  deputed 
to  the  service  of  exploring  the  coast,  and  entering  into  negotia- 
tions with  the  native  chiefs.  At  the  same  time  it  was  arranged 
that  Messrs.  Winn  and  Wiltberger  should  disembark  the  people 
and  goods  from  the  Nautilus,  after  a  suitable  place  for  their 
temporary  location  should  be  determined  upon,  by  and  with 
the  consent  of  the  colonial  authorities,  who  had  politely  prof- 
fered to  provide  such  place,  as  soon  as  it  could  be  selected.  It 
was  also  agreed  that  Messrs.  Winn  and  Willberger,  should 
attend  to  the  business  at  Sherbro — supply  the  wants  of  the 
people  there,  or  remove  them  as  should  be  found  most  expe- 
dient ;  so  that  as  nearly  as  possible  an  equal  partition  of  duties 
was  made. 

"  A  suitable  place  was  found  about  two  weeks  after  Mr. 
Andrus  and  myself  had  sailed  on  our  hazardous  excursion. 
We  had  been  taught  to  expect  the  arrival  of  the  Alligator, 
which  was  to  accompany  us.  But  it  was  not  deemed  advisable 
to  wait,  but  to  proceed  immediately  to  execute  that  part  of  our 
instructions,  which  directed  us  to  explore  the  coast;  in  this 
determination  we  were  influenced  by  the  following  reasons. 

"  1.  The  assistance  of  all  the  agents  was  not  necessary  to 
administer  to  the  wants  of  the  people,  circumstanced  as  they 
must  be  during  their  continuance  at  Sierra  Leone ;  and  some 
of  us,  unless  employed  in  obtaining  the  lands,  must  have 
remained  almost  or  quite  unoccupied, 

"  2.  The  period  of  the  arrival  of  the  Alligator  on  the  coast, 
was  entirely  uncertain.  But  little  more  than  six  weeks  re- 
mained before  the  rains.  The  business  of  exploring,  therefore, 
must  be  commenced  inmiediately,  or  not  completed  until  the 
rainy  season;  and  as  the  event  showed,  had  we  waited  for  the 
arrival  of  the  Alligator,  it  could  not  have  been  begun  before  the 
commencement  of  the  rains. 

'•'  3.  But  our  principal  reason  for  embarking  in  the  business 
immediately,  was  the  certainty  that  the  presence  of  an  armed 
force  would  hinder  rather  than  assist  our  negotiations  with  the 
natives.  In  this  opinion  we  were  confirmed  by  the  unanimous 
judgment  of  all  our  English  friends  consulted  on  the  subject. 
It  will  be  seen,  by  a  reference  to  dates,  that  we  had  concluded 
our  contract  for  the  lands,  and  returned  to  Sierra  Leone,  two 
weeks  or  more  before  the  arrival  of  the  Alligator." 

^^  Wednesday  eve7iingj  the  2\st  of  March. — Having    been 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  139 

much  engaged  in  making  preparations,  I  had  not  time  to  write 
to  my  friends;  and  expecting  not  to  return  until  after  the  sail- 
ing of  the  brig  Nautilus,  (although  the  disembarkation  had  not 
yet  commenced,)  a  letter  was  written  approving  of  the  judi- 
cious management  of  the  Rev,  Daniel  Coker,  in  conducting  the 
affairs  of  the  first  expedition  after  the  decease  of  the  former 
agents,  and  recommending  him  to  the  friendly  notice  of  the 
Board  of  Managers  of  the  American  Society  for  colonizing  the 
free  people  of  colour.  This  letter  was  signed  by  J.  B.  Winn, 
J.  R.  Andrus,  C.  Wiltberger,  jr.  and  E.  Bacon,  agents, 

"  Thursday  morning,  the  22d  of  March. — The  schooner  is 
expected  to  be  ready  to-day:  we  are  preparing  for  our  depar- 
ture, and  hope  to  sail  this  evening. 

"  At  5  o'clock,  P.  M.  all  hands  are  on  board,  some  of  the 
sailors  intoxicated;  the  captain  appears  to  make  unnecessary 
delays.  At  length  we  set  sail.  After  doubling  the  cape,  we 
stood  out  to  sea,  far  enough  to  clear  all  the  head  lands  and 
islands  of  the  coast;  and  then  proceeding  coastwise,  we  made 
Cape  Mount,  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  distant  from 
Sierra  Leone,  on  the  27th.  This  part  of  the  coast  we  had  pre- 
viously learned  to  be  in  the  occupancy  of  King  Peter,  one  of 
the  most  powerful  and  warlike  chiefs  of  West  Africa,  and  more 
deeply  engaged  in  the  slave-trade  than  any  of  his  neighbours. 
The  known  hostility  of  his  views  to  the  objects  of  the  Ameri- 
can government  and  society,  dissuaded  us  from  incurring  any 
loss  of  time  or  expense  in  procuring  an  interview  with  him. 
We  accordingly  proceeded  onward  to  the  mouth  of  the  Mesu- 
rado  river,  about  fifty  miles  south  of  Cape  Mount,  where  we 
came  to  anchor  the  next  day,  before  two  small  islands,  owned 
by  John  Mills,  a  yellow  man,  having  an  English  education, 
and  Baha,a  black,  and  native  African.  Both  of  these  men  are 
slave  dealers,  and  it  is  supposed  that  their  islands  are  mere  slave 
markets.  Every  appearance  went  to  justify  this  suspicion. 
The  neighbourhood  of  Cape  Mesurado  having  been  indicated  as 
a  part  of  the  coast  favourable  to  our  purpose,  we  were  induced 
to  make  the  most  particular  inquiry  and  observations  in  our 
power,  relative  to  the  advantages  and  disadvantages  that  would 
attend  a  settlement  here. 

"  The  appearance  of  this  part  of  the  left  bank  of  the  Mesu- 
rado river,  which  terminates  in  the  cape  of  the  same  name,  is 
sufficiently  elevated,  and  inviting.     The  natural  growth  is  lux- 


140  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

iiriant  and  abundant;  many  of  the  trees  attain  to  a  large  size, 
and  present  every  indication  of  a  strong  and  fertile  soil. 

"  The  head-man  is  a  dependent  of  King  Peter,  and  has  the 
same  name.  We  attempted  to  obtain  a  palaver  with  him,  and 
for  this  purpose  went  on  shore  with  a  present.  He  was  not 
ignorant  of  the  object  of  our  visit,  and  sent  by  a  messenger  de- 
clining an  interview,  and  refusing  to  receive  our  present,  though 
we  had  reason  to  believe  that  if  we  had  been  mere  mission- 
aries, he  would  have  received  us  readily.*  While  we  were  at 
anchor,  a  schooner  under  French  colours  appeared,  lying  off", 
and  apparently  waiting  for  an  opportunity  to  come  in  and  re- 
ceive a  cargo  of  slaves.  We  saw  a  great  number  of  young 
Africans,  who  appeared  as  if  intended  for  that  vessel. 

"On  the  evening  of  the  29th,  we  got  under  way,  and  follow- 
ing the  direction  of  the  coast,  which  here  stretches  south-easter- 
ly, we  had  the  prospect  of  a  delightful  country  the  whole  dis- 
tance to  St.  John's  river.  The  coast  presents  a  sandy  beach; 
in  the  whole  of  this  extent,  the  country  is  gently  elevated  from 
the  coast,  and  has  a  surface  agreeably  diversified  with  mode- 
rate inequalities.  Most  of  the  land  visible  from  the  sea,  either 
has  been,  or  now  is,  in  a  state  of  cultivation.  The  soil  is  pro- 
lific in  the  most  substantial  articles  of  food  produced  in  tropical 
countries.  The  neglected  parts  of  the  land  are  covered  with  a 
thick  growth  of  brush  wood.  The  mountains  in  the  interior 
are  here  about  twenty  or  thirty  miles  from  the  sea,  stretching 
in  the  direction  of  the  coast,  and  come  more  distinctly  into 
view,  than  at  the  northward  of  the  Cape.  Their  elevation 
must  be  considerable.  On  the  evening  of  the  31st  we  were  be- 
calmed, and  obliged  to  anchor  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  St. 
John's  river,  at  the  distance  of  between  two  and  three  leagues. 
This  river  is  nearly  a  league  over  at  the  mouth.  About  six 
leagues  from  the  sea,  it  is  one  mile  wide,  and  has  in  no  part  of 
the  main  channel,  less  than  nine  feet  water.  Salt  water  ex- 
tends but  six  or  eight  miles  from  the  sea;  there  is  a  rapid  at 
six  leagues'  distance  from  the^moulh  of  the  river,  which  is  how- 
ever passable  with  canoes.  Above,  the  batteau  navigation  ex- 
tends to  a  great  distance  in  the  interior.  Five  miles  to  the 
eastward  of  the  mouth  of  St.  John's,  and  discharging  its  waters 
into  the  same  bay,  is  the  Grand  Bassa  river,  small  in  com- 

*  This  cape  has  since  been  negotiated  for,  together  with  a  large  tract  of  fertile 
country,  and  the  American  colony  are  settled  on  it. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  141 

parison  with  the  St.  John's,  and  very  shoal  at  the  bar — but  of 
considerable  length  and  navigable  for  light  balteau  a  number 
of  leagues. 

"  On  the  1st  of  April,  we  brought  the  schooner  to  anchor  off 
the  mouth  of  the  latter  river,  at  the  distance  of  three-fourths  of 
a  mile.  We  were  soon  surrounded  with  canoes,  which  brought 
on  board  a  large  number  of  natives.  By  one  of  them  we 
despatched  a  small  present  to  the  king.  This  prince's  name  is 
Jack  Ben,  lately  advanced  to  the  supreme  power,  from  the 
rank  of  principal  head-man,  in  consequence  of  the  death  of 
King  John,  which  occurred  about  four  months  before  our  visit. 

"  Monday  inorning,  April  2d,  Grand  Bassa. — We  were 
visited  by  ten  or  fifteen  native  canoes,  bringing  from  two  to 
five  men  each,  who  came  to  trade;  their  articles  were  fowls, 
fish,  oysters,  eggs,  palm  oil  and  palm  wine,  cassada,  yams, 
plantains,  bananas,  limes  and  pine  apples,  for  which  they 
wanted  in  return  tobacco,  pipes,  beads,  &c. 

'•'Fowls  are  sold  for  one  leaf  of  tobacco  or  one  pipe  each; 
oysters  are  very  large  and  fine;  half  a  pound  of  tobacco  will 
buy  one  hundred;  they  are  larger  than  the  Blue  Point  oysters. 

"  Mr.  Andrus  and  myself  went  on  shore  in  our  boat,  below 
the  mouth  of  Grand  Bassa,  to  take  a  view  of  the  point  of  land 
which  projects  out  into  the  sea.  A  fort,  erected  on  this  point, 
would  completely  command  the  whole  harbour.  After  visiting 
the  point,  it  was  necessary  to  cross  the  Grand  Bassa  a  short 
distance  above  its  month,  as  tiie  surf  was  turbulent  below  the 
bar.  Our  conductor  was  a  Krooman,  by  the  name  of  Bottle 
Beer.  When  we  came  to  the  left  bank  of  the  river,  we  saw 
no  canoe  or  other  means  of  crossing  over  as  we  thought;  but 
Bottle  Beer  proposed  to  carry  us  over,  and  placed  himself  in  a 
suitable  position,  and  told  one  of  us  to  sit  upon  his  shoulders, 
when  brother  Andrus  seated  himself  with  one  leg  over  each 
shoulder;  then  Bottle  Beer  walked  deliberately  through  the 
river,  carrying  his  burden  safe  to  the  other  bank,  and  returned 
back  and  proposed  to  take  me.  I  told  him  I  was  so  fat  and 
heavy  that  he  would  let  me  fall  into  the  water;  he  put  his 
hands  upon  his  arms  and  legs,  and  said,  "  Me  strong,  me  carry 
you.  Daddy."  At  length  1  seated  myself  likewise  upon  Bottle 
Beer,  and  though  he  was  not  as  heavy  a  person  as  myself,  he 
carried  me  safe  over  without  wetthig  me;  it  was  necessary, 
however,  that  I  should  hold  my  feet  up,  as  the  water  was 


142  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

about  half  a  fathom  deep.  After  this  we  walked  about  three 
hundred  yards,  to  Bottle  Beer's  town,  a  little  cluster  of  cottages 
inhabited  by  Kroomen,  of  which  Bottle  Beer  is  head-man; 
several  of  these  people  can  talk  broken  English;  the  king 
placed  Bottle  Beer  at  this  town  as  a  factor  or  a  harbour  mas- 
ter, as  it  is  a  place  for  vessels  to  water.  The  population  is 
perhaps  from  sixty  to  one  hundred;  we  were  conducted  to  the 
palaver  house,  where  the  people  soon  gathered  together,  and 
shook  hands  with  us.  After  remaining  a  short  time,  we  were 
conducted  to  another  town  (so  called)  where  the  people  were 
boiling  sea-water  for  salt,  as  they  do  at  all  the  towns  near  the 
beach;  this  is  called  Salt  Town;  through  this  we  passed  to 
Jumbo  Town,  which  is  about  one  mile  from  Bottle  Beer's  town, 
and  much  larger. 

"  In  Jumbo  Town  there  are  from  thirty  to  forty  houses,  and 
several  hundred  people.  There  is  also  a  large  palaver  house, 
to  which  we  were  conducted.  There  we  were  accosted  by 
Jumbo,  the  head-man,  and  the  natives,  and  shook  hands  with 
them.  The  land  is  prolific  beyond  description.  Indian  corn 
grows  luxuriantly  and  is  in  the  ear.  Indeed,  the  country  is 
beautifully  variegated,  and  the  water  is  good  and  plenty. 

"  About  one  o'clock,  P.  M.  we  returned  back  to  our  boat, 
which  was  at  Bottle  Beer's  town.  After  the  boat  was  in  readi- 
ness, one  of  the  Kroomen  took  me  in  his  arms  and  carried  me 
above  the  surf  to  the  boat,  and  likewise  Mr.  Andrus,  so  that 
we  were  not  wet;  and  all  this  kindness  without  being  solicited. 
Indeed,  they  are  very  kind  and  hospitable;  they  gave  us  water 
to  drink,  and  palm  wine,  and  made  us  welcome  to  such  as  they 
had.  As  is  customary,  they  begged  for  tobacco,  of  which  we 
gave  a  small  quantity  to  the  head-men,  who  always  distribute 
among  the  people. 

"  After  returning  on  board  the  schooner,  we  dined  on  fish 
and  oysters  sumptuously.  We  then  went  in  our  boat  over  the 
bar,  into  the  mouth  of  the  St.  John's  river,  about  four  miles 
distance  from  the  schooner,  when  we  sounded  on  the  bar,  and 
found  not  less  than  nine  feet  water  at  ebb-tide.  The  river  is 
about  three  miles  wide  at  the  bar:  there  is  plenty  of  water  and 
good  anchorage:  vessels  of  two  or  three  hundred  tons  burden, 
may  lie  perfectly  safe.  It  being  nearly  dark,  and  the  tide  be- 
ginning to  make,  which  was  against  onr  returning  in  the  boat, 
over  the  bar,  it  was  thought  most  prudent  for  ]\Ir.  Andrus  and 


HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  143 

myself  to  go  on  shore  and  return  by  land  to  Jumbo  Town,  which 
we  did  accordingly.  There  was  no  path  on  the  shore  but  the 
sand  beach,  which  was  fatiguing,  as  the  sand  was  so  loose  that 
a  great  part  of  the  way  our  shoes  would  sink  two  or  three 
inches  every  step.  JNIoreover,  being  exposed  to  the  night  air, 
is  thought  in  Africa  to  be  dangerous  to  foreigners;  however, 
we  arrived  at  Jumbo  Town  about  eight  o'clock,  and  waited  for 
our  boat,  which  soon  came.  The  natives  again  carried  us 
through  the  surf,  and  we  returned  on  board  much  fatigued, 
having  been  in  a  profuse  perspiration  and  exposed  to  night  air, 
until  nine  o'clock.  I  was  very  weary.  After  having  taken 
some  refreshments,  we  had  prayers  and  retired  to  rest.  Heard 
nothing  from  the  king,  the  Krooman  not  having  returned. 

"  Tuesday,  *flpril  3d. — This  morning  brother  Andrus  was 
not  in  very  good  health,  and  did  not  go  on  shore,  but  took 
medicine.  We  were  again  visited  by  natives,  with  a  great 
variety  of  fruit,  vegetables,  fowls,  fish,  &c.  &c, 

"  We  this  day  sent  another  message  to  the  king.  At  ten 
o'clock  I  went  on  shore,  in  company  with  Tamba  and  Davis, 
and  walked  about  one  mile  into  the  country,  where  I  found 
the  land  remarkably  good.  We  passed  through  four  or  five 
towns,  as  they  called  them;  the  houses  as  in  other  towns  ap- 
pear at  a  distant  view  more  like  the  same  number  of  stacks  of 
straw  or  hay,  as  they  are  covered  with  a  kind  of  grass,  Davis 
and  Tamba  improve  every  opportunity  to  talk  with  their 
country  people  upon  the  subject  of  our  mission.  Davis  saw 
some  of  the  head-men  to-day,  who  appear  to  be  suspicious  that 
we  had  some  unfriendly  object  in  view;  but  as  he  can  speak 
their  language  fluently,  he  is  endeavouring  to  remove  their 
doubts. 

"  Returned  on  board  with  not  only  my  locks  but  my  flannels 
drenched  with  perspiration;  even  while  I  am  writing,  if  my 
handkerchief  were  not  in  my  hand  to  wipe  it  from  my  face,  I 
should  be  compelled  to  discontinue.  No  prospect  as  yet  of 
seeing  the  king. 

"  This  evening  brother  Andrus's  health  is  better.  We  com- 
mended ourselves  and  the  cause  in  which  we  are  engaged  to 
God,  who  alone  can  accomplish  all  things,  according  to  his 
purpose,  and  retired  to  rest. 

"  Wednesday  morning,  April  Ath. — At  six  o'clock,  accord- 
ing to  our  arrangements  made  yesterday,  we  started  in  our 


144  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

boat,  with  four  boatmen  and  our  interpreters,  making  eight  of 
us;  and  five  natives,  two  of  which  were  head-men,  in  two  of 
their  canoes.  We  ascended  the  river  St.  John's  to  the  first 
island.  The  banks  of  the  river  are  rather  low,  but  suitable  for 
cultivation.  This  island  was  formerly  occupied  by  a  slave 
factor;  but  since  the  English  and  American  cruisers  have 
annoyed  them,  the  traders  have  abandoned  this  and  all  the 
other  islands.  In  this  river  their  gardens  are  to  be  seen; 
in  them  is  a  variety  of  fruit.  We  breakfasted  here  upon  some 
smoked  beef  and  bread,  which  we  brought  from  the  vessel. 
Thence  we  proceeded  on  to  another  island,  to  which  Davis 
said  he  was  brought,  and  on  which  he  was  sold  to  an  Ameri- 
can slave  factor. 

"  It  was  with  great  difficulty  that  we  prevailed  on  the  na- 
tives and  our  boat's  crew  to  proceed  any  further,  because  they 
said,  "  White  man  never  live  above  that  place."  It  appeared 
that  they  doubted  the  efficacy  of  their  gregres,  which  they 
never  fail  to  wear  when  exposed  to  danger.  We  passed  two 
other  islands,  formerly  occupied  by  the  same  kind  of  despera- 
does. We  still  proceeded  onwards  until  we  came  to  rapids, 
which  are  from  fifteen  to  twenty  miles  from  its  mouth.  The 
land  as  we  ascend  the  river  becomes  more  elevated,  with  a  fine 
growth  of  timber,  admirably  situated  for  settlements.  We  saw 
several  small  towns  and  farms,  where  rice  and  vegetables  are 
cultivated.  Davis  read  the  twentieth  chapter  of  Exodus,  and 
spoke  to  the  people  upon  the  state  of  their  souls.  In  one  of 
those  towns,  people  were  very  attentive;  their  reply  to  liim 
after  he  had  ceased  speaking,  was,  "  Very  well.,  we  hear  you, 
all  very  good  what  you  say,  we  think  'bout  it,  lue  no  sabhy 
white  man  fash,  we  sabhy  gregre.^' 

"  We  saw  very  fine  goats,  and  sheep,  and  poultry.  All  the 
people  wear  gregres  or  charms;  some  of  these  are  brass  rings, 
which  they  wear  around  their  ancles  and  wrists — one  is  a 
feather  tied  with  a  string  around  their  neck — and  what  they 
consider  more  valuable,  is  the  horn  of  a  goat  or  a  sheep,  which 
the  Dibbleman  (as  they  say)  prepares  by  filling  it  with  a  kind 
of  glutinous  substance,  intermixed  with  pulverized  charcoal,  or 
black  sand;  some  wear  a  little  ball  of  clay  tied  up  in  a  piece  of 
white  muslin. 

"  At  three  o'clock  we  put  our  company  in  motion  on  our  re- 
turn.    At  seven  o'clock,  the  boat  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  145 

river,  and  before  crossing  the  bar,  brother  Andrus,  myself, 
Tamba  and  Davis,  went  on  shore,  where  we  had  a  most  fa- 
tiguing walk  down  the  beach  to  Jumbo  Town;  our  boat  not 
being  able  to  go  over  the  bar  before  daylight,  as  the  tide  did 
not  favour;  therefore  we  had  no  boat  in  which  we  dare  ven- 
ture, as  the  native  canoes  were  small  and  unsafe  for  us. 
Having  been  twelve  hours  exposed  to  the  scorching  rays  of 
the  sun,  and  having  walked  four  miles  in  the  damp  of  the 
evening,  with  our  clothes  drenched  in  perspiration,  and  being 
obliged  to  lie  down  supperless,  upon  a  floor  composed  of  bam- 
boo sticks,  without  any  covering  but  our  wet  garments — having 
no  door  to  our  cottage,  and  several  hundred  natives  within 
twenty  yards,  drumming  and  dancing,  until  one  or  two  o'clock 
in  the  morning. — Indeed  these  were  times  that  the  secret  ejacu- 
lations of  the  heart  ascended  up  to  the  throne  of  the  Heavenly 
Grace,  for  grace  to  help  in  that  hour  of  need.  Nor  was  the 
ear  of  Jehovah  heavy,  that  it  could  not  hear;  nor  his  almighty 
arm  shortened,  that  it  could  not  save;  for  we  found  ready  help 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  strengthening  us. 

"  Thursday  morning,  Jljwil  5th. — We  arose  and  felt  some- 
what the  worse  for  our  hard  lodging,  after  our  extreme  expo- 
sure in  that  climate,  in  which,  it  is  said,  foreigners  are  subject 
to  fevers  and  agues.  Our  boat  came  to  the  beach  for  us,  and 
we  went  on  board  the  schooner.  Having  heard  nothing  from 
the  king,  we  concluded  to  send  Davis  with  one  of  the  head- 
men, to  seek  his  majesty.  Davis  was  despatched  with  a  pre- 
sent. We  this  day  learned  from  a  head-man,  that  we  could 
have  la^d,  but  that  we  must  go  to  the  king's  town  to-morrow. 

"We  admired  the  friendly  disposition  of  the  inhabitants,  but 
discovered  their  fears  that  we  were  connected  with  some  ship 
of  war. 

"  Friday  morning,  April  Qth. — We  went  on  shore,  and 
went  to  the  king's  town,  but  could  not  see  him;  it  was  said 
that  he  was  not  at  home.  The  distance  is  from  two  and  a  half 
to  three  miles;  the  land  is  most  excellent,  elevated  and  dry;  we 
saw  very  fine  rice  fields:  this  town  was  recently  built,  and  the 
houses  are  much  better  than  any  I  have  hitherto  seen  in  the 
Bassa  country. 

"  We  returned  back  to  the  schooner,  without  seeing  Davis, 
and  sent  Tamba  to  call  him,  but  he  remained.     We  are  full  of 
doubts  and  fears  about  obtaining  a  palaver  with  the  king. 
13 


146  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

"  Saturday,  April  1th. — This  day  Tamba  and  Davis  return- 
ed; it  appears  they  have  been  labouring  to  convince  the  head- 
men, that  we  have  not  come  with  any  hostile  intention. 

'■^Sunday,  April  Sth. — Brothers  Andrus  and  Davis  went  to 
old  King  John's  town,  for  the  purpose  of  holding  a  meeting. 
Returned  in  the  evening,  and  said  that  they  had  seen  King 
Ben,  and  that  he  would  meet  us  in  Jumbo  Town,  in  palaver, 
the  next  morning. 

"  They  saw  the  body  of  King  John,  who  had  been  dead  four 
moons,  yet  not  buried;  he  was  laid  in  state  in  a  palaver-house, 
dressed  in  a  fine  robe,  with  a  pair  of  new  English  boots  on 
the  feet:  a  brisk  fire  is  kept  burning  in  the  room.  His  grave 
is  dug,  which  is  eight  feet  square,  for  the  purpose  of  admitting 
the  body  and  the  form  upon  which  it  lies,  together  with  bul- 
locks, goats,  sheep,  tobacco  and  pipes,  as  sacrifices !  0  Lord, 
when  shall  these  superstitions  cease  ! 

"  Monday,  April  9th. — This  morning  the  sea  very  rough. 
At  11  o'clock  we  went  on  shore  with  a  present  to  the  king, 
as  it  is  impossible  to  get  a  palaver  with  the  authorities  of  the 
country,  without  a  respectable  present  '  to  pay  service'  to  the 
king,  his  princes,  and  head-men.  We  met  his  majesty,  King 
Jack  Ben,  of  Grand  Bassa,  together  with  several  of  his  head- 
men in  Jumbo  Town,  in  the  palaver-house,  with  a  large  con- 
course of  people.  After  shaking  hands  with  them,  we  laid 
down  our  presents,  which  consisted  of  one  gun,  some  powder, 
tobacco,  pipes,  beads,  &c.  His  majesty  said  in  broken  English, 
^  me  tanke  you,'  and  caused  the  articles  to  be  removed,  and 
placed  under  the  care  of  a  sentinel,  so  that  his  people  might 
not  get  them  before  he  had  divided  them  equally,  as  is  their 
custom.  This  division  takes  place,  that  all  may  '  taste  of  the 
good  things,'  and  a  contract  is  made :  all  who  have  partaken  of 
the  present,  are  pledged  to  fulfil  on  their  part. 

"  The  king  asked  us  what  we  wanted,  although  he  could  not 
have  been  ignorant  of  our  wishes.  We  stated  our  object  to  be, 
'  to  get  land  for  the  black  people  in  America,  to  come  and  sit 
down  upon  [to  occupy].  We  told  him  that  the  people  were 
very  many,  and  required  much  territory;  that  a  few  white  men 
only  would  come  along,  to  assist  and  take  care  of  them ;  that 
we  should  make  a  town  where  ships  would  come  and  trade 
with  cloth,  and  guns,  and  beads,  and  knives,  and  tobacco,  and 
pipes;  and  take  in  return  their  ivory,  and  palm  oil,  and  rice, 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  147 

and  every  other  thing  growing  in  the  fields;  that  they  would  not 
then  need  to  sell  any  more  people,  but  might  learn  to  cultivate 
the  ground,  and  make  other  things  to  sell  for  whatever  they 
wanted.' 

"  We,  at  last,  succeeded  in  making  a  favourable  impression 
on  their  minds ;  and  convincing  them  that  we  had  no  unfriend- 
ly motive  in  visiting  Bassa.  The  palaver  was  adjourned  until 
the  next  day.  It  indeed  requires  much  patience  to  deal  with 
these  children  of  the  forest.  We  returned  on  board  weary  and 
faint:  after  partaking  of  some  refreshment,  and  having  im- 
plored the  divine  blessing  of  Him  who  has  promised  to  give 
to  his  Son  the  heathen  for  his  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost 
parts  of  the  earth  for  his  possession,  we  retired  to  rest. 

"  Tuesday,  April  lOth. — This  day  is  expected  to  be  a  day  of 
importance,  as  the  palaver  will  be  much  larger,  and  a  certain 
condition  will  be  discussed,  whicji  they  have  urged  from  the 
beginning;  therefore,  we  look  earnestly  for  Divine  assistance. 
A  small  present  will  be  necessary,  as  there  will  be  more  head- 
men than  at  any  former  palaver.  At  10  o'clock  we  were  con- 
vened. The  present  was  placed  before  the  king,  and  the  usual 
ceremonies  were  performed.  The  king  rose  up  and  spoke  to 
the  case  in  the  Bassa  language,  with  great  energy ;  his  naked 
arm  presented  to  view  from  within  his  robes,  which  were  made 
of  the  country  manufactured  cloth,  something  in  the  form  of 
clerical  robes.  After  him,  a  Krooman  by  the  name  of  Brown, 
rose  and  spoke  with  much  spirit;  his  speech  was  interpreted 
by  Tamba ;  the  substance  of  it  was,  that  we  were  emissaries 
from  some  slave-ship  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  that  we  were 
not  friends  to  them;  on  which  the  king  and  his  council  with- 
drew to  the  shade  of  a  large  silk  cotton  tree,  in  conclave,  for 
the  space  of  twenty  or  thirty  minutes.  They  then  returned 
and  proceeded  in  discussing  the  condition,  strenuously  urged 
from  the  beginning  by  the  king,  as  the  basis  on  which  alone  he 
could  accede  to  our  wishes  in  relation  to  the  lands.  We  had 
stated,  that  we  came  not  with  any  hostile  intentions,  and  that 
the  character  of  the  settlement  was  to  be  unwarlike  and  agri- 
cultural. They  demanded  of  us  a  positive  stipulation,  to  make 
book,  as  they  term  it,  that  the  settlers  and  agents  should  act  in 
consistency  with  this  character,  and  in  no  way  assist  the  armed 
ships  sent  to  the  coast  to  suppress  the  slave  trade,  by  commu- 
nicating to  them  any  information  that  might  prove  injurious  to 


148  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  Bassa  people.  We  represented  to  them  the  advantages 
which  would  attend  their  relinquishing  the  trade  altogether; 
stating  that  in  a  very  short  time  it  must  cease,  as  so  many  ships 
of  war  would  be  sent  to  the  coast,  as  to  catch  every  slave  ves- 
sel, and  put  an  end  to  the  exportation  of  the  people;  still  they 
insisted  on  the  condition;  and  at  the  breaking  up  of  the  pala- 
ver, told  us  we  should  have  the  lands,  provided  we  agreed  to 
insert  the  condition  in  the  contract  [book].  They  directed  us 
to  explore  the  country,  and,  as  the  king  said,  'lookem  straight,' 
laying  down  his  palaver  brush  in  a  straight  position,  and  fix  upon 
the  tract  best  adapted  to  our  purpose,  at  the  same  time  indica- 
ting the  quarter  where  those  lands  lay,  which  they  could  best 
afford  to  spare.  We  returned  on  board  the  schooner  somewhat 
encouraged,  but  still  we  felt  dissatisfied  with  the  condition 
upon  which  they  insisted;  however,  considering  that  it  could 
have  no  practical  operation,  inasmuch  as  if,  while  in  our  infant 
state,  we  were  to  show  a  disposition  to  use  any  other  means 
than  persuasion  in  urging  them  to  abandon  the  traffic  in  slaves, 
we  should  incur  their  displeasure,  and  cause  the  destruction  of 
the  whole  of  our  expectations  of  future  success,  we  were  toler- 
ably content. 

"  Wednesday,  Jlpril  Wth. — This  day  went  on  shore,  when 
it  began  to  rain.  There  has  been  a  little  rain  every  day  for  six 
or  seven  days  past.  It  appears  that  the  rains  are  setting  in. 
The  king  sent  a  servant  to  us,  with  a  message,  informing  us 
that  he  would  be  ready  to  receive  us  after  the  rains  had  ceased. 
We  arrived  at  the  king's  town.  We  had  a  short  palaver,  after 
ascertaining  that  we  could  not  obtain  land  upon  any  better 
terms.  It  is  however  probable,  that  at  no  distant  period  the 
natives  may  be  be  induced  to  abandon  the  slave  trade  altoge- 
ther, without  any  coercive  measures  being  used,  as  they  will 
see  other  soiu'ces  of  trade  present  themselves  to  view. 

"  The  king  directed  some  of  his  head-men  to  accompany  us, 
to  look  at  the  country.  We  walked  in  various  directions,  and 
returned  to  the  schooner,  having  previously  explored  the  St. 
.John's  river  as  far  as  the  rapids,  and  viewed  the  country  in 
various  directions.  We  fully  determined  upon  the  territory 
which  would  be  suitable  for  our  purpose.  We  are  more  and 
more  pleased  with  the  appearance  of  the  country  and  its  inha- 
bitants. The  king  took  one  of  his  boys  by  the  hand,  who  was 
about  thirteen  or  fourteen  years  of  age,  and  gave  him  to  us  to 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  149 

learn  Book.     We  took  him  on  board,  and  put  a  pair  of  domes- 
tic pantaloons  upon  him,  which  pleased  him  very  much. 

"  Thursday,  ^Ipril  \2th. — This  morning  the  king  sent  two 
of  his  head-men  on  board  to  go  with  us  and  fix  upon  a  place  to 
build  our  town.  We  sent  back  a  message  that  we  had  fixed 
upon  the  place,  and  that  we  were  ready  to  meet  him  in  palaver, 
at  any  time  he  should  appoint,  at  Jumbo  Town.  He  did  not 
send  us  his  answer  until  evening,  when  two  of  his  head-men 
arrived  with  a  present  from  his  sable  majesty,  which  consisted 
of  a  fine  fat  goat.  His  answer  was  that  he  would  meet  us  at 
eight  o'clock  the  next  morning  at  Jumbo  Town,  in  grand  pala- 
ver.    We  are  very  anxious  to  know  the  final  result. 

^^  Friday,  April  \3th. — We  met  in  palaver;  there  were  more 
head-men  and  princes,  as  well  as  people,  than  at  any  time  pre- 
vious. Our  present,  of  course,  was  much  more  valuable  than 
before.  We  thanked  the  king  for  his  present,  and  he  returned 
the  same  civility  for  our  presents.  These  people  being  ignorant 
of  extent  of  territory,  or  of  distances  by  measurement,  we 
directed  our  interpreters  to  tell  them  that  we  wanted  a  large 
tract  of  land,  and  they  described  it  thus : — Beginning  at  a  cer- 
tain tree  on  the  beach  near  Jumbo  Town,  running  due  east  by 
compass  to  the  top  of  Saddle  Mountain,  or  two  or  three  days' 
walk,  either  of  which  would  be  a  distance  of  from  forty  to 
sixty  miles ;  from  thence  northwardly  to  St.  John's  river,  a  dis- 
tance of  perhaps  from  fifty  to  seventy  miles ;  from  thence  down 
the  St.  John's  river  to  its  mouth ;  from  thence  along  the  sand 
beach  to  the  aforesaid  tree  near  Jumbo  Town,  inclusive;  sup- 
posed to  be  thirty  or  forty  miles  square  of  territory.  To  our 
having  this  tract,  they  readily  agreed,  and  directed  their  names 
to  be  set  to  the  instrument,  the  conditions  before  mentioned  be- 
ing included.  They  all  took  hold  of  the  pen  and  made  their 
marks;  they  then  cried  aloud,  "  Palaver  set !  Palaver  set!" 

"  The  agent  of  the  Colonization  Society,  engaged  in  behalf 
of  said  society,  to  give  certain  stipulated  articles  annually, 
which  will  not  cost  more  than  three  hundred  dollars.  Pledges 
of  mutual  friendship  were  interchanged,  whereby  each  party 
agreed  to  cultivate  peace  and  harmony,  and  not  to  make  war 
on,  or  trouble  each  other. 

"  Thus  we  at  last  succeeded  in  convincing  them  that  we  were 
their  friends.    This,  we  were  assured,  we  could  not  have  done, 
had  it  not  been  for  the  presence  of  Davis,  and  the  entire  ab- 
13* 


150  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

sence  of  any  display  of  military  or  naval  force.  We  regard  it 
as  a  most  favourable  providence  that  the  Alligator  did  not 
bring,  or  accompany  us  to  the  Bassa,  and  that  no  naval  officer 
was  present  at  the  negotiations, 

''  The  king  was  much  pleased  at  seeing  his  son  with  trowsers 
on;  the  people  said,  "He  gentleman  all  one  white  man:"  the 
king  proposed  to  give  us  an  elder  son  in  lieu  of  the  other,  as  he 
said  if  the  younger  went  away,  his  "  IVIama  make  palaver  on 
me."  We  accepted  his  proposition,  took  the  elder  on  board? 
put  a  suit  of  clothes  on  him,  and  gave  him  the  name  of  Bush- 
rod  Washington.  His  father  was  very  much  delighted  to  see 
him  clothed.  The  king,  princes,  head-men,  and  people,  went 
with  us  to  the  tree  on  the  beach  near  Jumbo  Town,  one  of  the 
aforesaid  boundaries,  and  a  boy  climbed  up  it,  and  cut  off  some 
of  its  branches,  leaving  one  branch,  which  ascended  consider- 
ably higher  than  the  rest :  to  this  he  tied  about  six  yards  of  an 
American  pendant,  which  the  people  consider  a  white  man's 
gregre  or  fetish,  and  according  to  their  prejudice,  regard  as 
sacred.  Near  this  spot  it  was  thought  proper  to  make  our  set- 
tlement. The  king's  son  will  go  with  us  to  Sierra  Leone, 
where  he  will  be  put  to  school  and  taught  to  speak  English. 
The  king  and  people  are  all  anxious  that  we  should  return  im- 
mediately, even  before  the  rains  fully  set  in  ;  but  we  do  not 
give  them  any  encouragement  of  our  speedy  return. 

"  These  people  are  very  kind,  but  are  in  a  dreadful  state  of 
heathenish  darkness ;  they  worship  the  "  Dibbly  man,"  [the 
devil,]  and  dedicate  daily  a  part  of  their  food  to  him.  They 
profess  to  believe  that  there  is  a  good  and  merciful  Deity,  who 
can  and  will  do  them  good,  and  not  evil :  but  that  the  devil  is 
all  powerful,  and  that  it  is  necessary  to  appease  his  wrath. 
Every  town  has  its  peculiar  devil. 

"  The  man  who  acts  the  part  of  devil  is  dressed  up  in  a  gar- 
ment of  dried  grass  or  rushes  which  covers  him,  and  reaches 
to  the  ground;  his  arms  and  feet  are  concealed;  a  white  coun- 
try-cloth covers  his  shoulders;  round  his  head,  and  tied  under 
his  chin,  are  two  or  three  cotton  handkerchiefs;  the  face  is 
frightful;  the  mouth  and  nose  are  black;  two  large  teeth  pro- 
ject far  beyond  the  lips;  a  row  of  coarse  shells  is  bound  round 
above  the  eyes;  on  the  head  is  a  red  cap,  which  reaches  four 
or  five  feet  in  height,  and  is  surmounted  with  a  plume  of  fea- 
thers. 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  151 

"  Sometimes  this  figm-e  would  move  about  in  a  stately  style  ; 
and  at  others  it  would  turn  into  all  sorts  of  postures,  and  strike 
the  plume  of  feathers  on  the  ground,  uttering  a  noise  like  that 
occasioned  by  blowing  through  a  pipe,  the  mouth  of  which  is 
immersed  in  water. 

"  Every  inducement  was  offered  to  the  king  to  obtain  posses- 
sion of  the  habiliments  of  this  terrific  figure,  that  we  might 
carry  them  out  of  the  country;  but  we  could  not  prevail.  The 
king  said  that  the  devil  belonged  to  the  people,  and  that  they 
would  kill  him  if  he  let  it  go.  We  trust  that  the  light  of  the 
gospel  will,  ere  long,  expose  to  shame  these  delusions  of  cun- 
ning and  superstition. 

"The  people,  like  all  other  natives,  are  in  a  state  of  nudity, 
except  that  they  wear  about  one  and  a  half  yards  of  narrow 
cloth  about  their  loins;  the  men  often  wear  hats,  while  the 
children  are  not  burdened  with  any  kind  of  clothes,  but  fre- 
quently, like  the  adults,  wear  many  beads.  Leopard's  teeth 
are  thought  to  he  very  valuable  ornaments. 

"  The  king,  when  in  general  palaver,  was  clad  in  his  robes, 
which  covered  his  whole  body;  he  had  on,  also,  an  elegant  cap; 
at  other  times  he  wore  a  drab-coloured  broad-cloth  great  coat, 
with  a  number  of  capes.  His  head-men  were  partially  clad, 
some  with  blue  cloth  roundabouts,  with  military  or  naval  but- 
tons. They  wore  no  shirts.  Many  of  them  had  belts  of  beads, 
which  contained  one  or  more  pounds  each. 

"There  are  many  Kroomen  in  the  towns  along  the  coast. 
They  are  employed  as  agents  or  factors  for  the  authorities  of 
the  country,  who  monopolize  all  the  trade.  These  agents  have 
each  a  number  of  certificates  from  masters  of  vessels  who  have 
employed  them.  They  wished  us  to  give  them  '  books,'  like- 
wise, but  we  had  no  occasion  to  employ  them  as  factors.  Bot- 
tle Beer  required  us  to  pay  for  the  water  with  which  our  vessel 
had  been  furnished.  With  this  demand  we  did  not  comply,  as 
we  had  not  come  '  for  trade.'  We  informed  the  king  of  the 
demand,  and  he  revoked  it.  The  people  all  live  in  villages  or 
clusters  of  cottages,  in  each  of  which  is  a  head-man,  who  has  a 
plurality  of  wives.  If  a  native  have  but  one  wife,  he  is  indeed 
very  poor.  The  head-man  is  a  slave-holder;  he  owns  all  the 
people  in  his  town.  The  inhabitants  of  each  town  cultivate  in 
common.  The  men  seldom  do  any  labour,  except  fish  a  little, 
and  hunt.     The   females  and   small   boys  cultivate  the  land. 


152  HISTORY    or    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

The  men  trade  and  direct  those  who  are  under  them.  I  saw  a 
fine  looking  female  with  iron  fetters  on  her  feet,  which  fetters, 
no  doubt,  were  brought  from  a  slave  vessel,  as  we  observed 
one  under  French  colours,  lying  in  the  harbour  at  the  same 
time.  I  made  inquiry  concerning  the  cause  of  her  confinement, 
and  was  told  that  she  was  taken  in  adultery.  It  is  said  by  the 
natives  that '  wife  palaver,  very  bad  palaver.'  It  is  punished 
with  death,  red  water,  or  slavery,  and  most  usually  the  latter. 
These  people  are  indeed  in  gross  darkness,  depending  upon 
their  gregres  and  devil  worship,  A  town  is  not  complete  which 
has  not  a  Palaver  House  and  Devil  House.  The  latter  has  a 
small  post  standing  near  it,  six  or  eight  feet  high,  with  a  strip  of 
white  muslin  about  three-fourths  of  a  yard  in  length,  and  two 
or  three  inches  wide,  tied  round  the  top.  There  they  daily  offer 
sacrifice. 

"  The  Bassa  country  is  situated  between  five  and  six  degrees 
north  latitude,  and  between  ten  and  eleven  west  longitude,  in 
the  centre  of  the  Grain  Coast,  which  is  about  an  equal  distance 
from  Sierra  Leone  and  Cape  Coast,  where  the  English  have 
commenced  a  settlement.  Swine,  herds  of  neat  cattle,  sheep, 
and  goats  are  bred  here. 

"  At  evening  we  took  an  affectionate  leave  of  the  king  and 
some  of  the  head-men ;  the  old  king  appeared  to  be  much 
affected,  and  said, '  You  have  my  son,  you  take  him  Sierra 
Leone  learn  book,  when  rain  done  you  come  Grand  Bassa, 
then  King  Jack  Ben  give  you  plenty  boys  learn  book.'  The 
people  are  all  apparently  very  anxious  to  have  us  return;  they 
seem  to  have  great  confidence  in  us. 

"  Grand  Bassa,  Saturday  morninfi;,  Jljiril  I4th. — Many 
natives  were  on  board  with  fruit,  rice,  fowls,  eggs,  and  vegeta- 
bles to  sell,  which  we  bought,  chiefly  with  tobacco. 

"At  twelve  o'clock  we  set  sail  on  our  return  to  Sierra  Leone. 
We  made  slow  headway;  the  wind  is  light.  At  six  o'clock 
we  are  not  more  than  three  or  four  leagues  from  Bassa. 

"We  are  turning  our  attention  to  the  state  of  our  settlers  at 
Sherbro,  and  those  at  Sierra  Leone.  We  think  of  visiting 
Sherbro  as  we  return.  We  are  very  anxious  to  hear  from  our 
friends. 

"We  feel  grateful  to  God  for  his  mercy  in  preserving  us,  and 
enabling  us  to  accomplish  our  wishes  in  some  degree.  Still, 
however,  we  have  continual  need  of  Divine  assistance.     Our 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN  COLONIZATION.  153 

vessel  leaks  and  requires  much  attention;  but  our  trust  is  in 
God  alone,  who  has  hitherto  mercifully  preserved  us,  so  that 
'the  sun  hath  not  smitten  us  by  day,  neither  the  moon  by 
night.'  The  pestilence  which  walketh  in  darkness  hath  not 
come  near  us;  therefore  we  are  under  renewed  obligations  to 
praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works 
in  the  great  deep. 

"  Sunday  morning,  Jlpril  \5th. — At  sea  with  a  fair  wind; 
we  have  just  discovered  Cape  Mesurado.  Had  worship  this 
morning  as  usual,  and  found  it  good  for  us  to  call  upon  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  to  read  his  most  holy  word,  to  meditate 
upon  his  blessed  promises,  to  praise  him  for  past  mercies,  and 
implore  the  continuance  of  his  most  gracious  aid.  Our  people 
having  yesterday  evening  slaughtered  the  goat  which  the  king 
presented  lis,  it  is  necessary  to  cook  some  of  the  flesh,  though  it 
is  the  Sabbath  day.  It  is  very  fine  and  fat,  and  quite  a  luxury, 
notwithstanding  we  have  had  plenty  of  fowls,  fish,  and  oysters, 
fruits  and  vegetables, 

"Prince  Bushrod  is  a  little  sea-sick;  he  appears  to  be  much 
pleased  with  his  dress,  and  has  been  persuaded  to  take  off  his 
gregres,  Davis  having  told  him  if  he  wore  clothes,  he  must  not 
wear  gregres.  We  intend  to  let  him  go  to  Regent's  Town, 
and  stay  with  Davis  and  attend  school,  under  the  superintend- 
ance  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Johnson,  where  he  will  have  the  benefit 
of  associating  with  some  of  his  own  countrymen,  who  are  pious 
and  useful  people. 

^'Monday,  April  \%th. — Last  night  there  was  a  tremendous 
tornado,  with  much  rain ;  at  the  appearance  of  a  tornado  it  is 
necessary  to  take  in  all  sail  immediately,  as  the  wind  generally 
blows  powerfully. 

"  Our  Kroomen  are  easily  intimidated  in  bad  weather;  they 
have  on  their  gregres,  those  which  they  think  contain  the  most 
virtue,  and  are  best  calculated  to  preserve  them  from  the  great- 
est danger.  I  endeavoured  to  persuade  them  that  their  gregres 
were  useless,  and  advised  them  to  throw  them  into  the  sea,  but 
my  entreaties  were  in  vain;  one  had  his  gregre  tied  with  a 
twine  around  his  head  above  his  ears;  I  took  hold  of  the  string 
and  broke  it.  On  examining  it,  I  found  it  was  composed  of  a 
ball  of  clay,  tied  up  in  a  piece  of  white  mushn,  with  a  small 
feather  in  the  end;  he  was  angry,  and  sorry  for  his  loss.  One 
gave  me  his  gregre,  that  I  might  view  its  contents;  they  con- 


154  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

sisted  of  nothing  more  than  a  kind  of  black  sand  tied  up  in  a 
piece  of  rag.  I  threw  the  gregre  into  the  sea,  which  grieved 
him  very  much. 

"  The  Kroomen  were  all  alarmed  at  their  loss;  and  express- 
ed fears  that  'tornado  catch  us,'  or  that  some  other  accident 
would  happen  to  us.  They  said  that  they  '  make  bad  palaver 
on  me,'  when  we  arrived  at  Sierra  Leone,  and  that  I  should 
have  to  pay  twenty  bars  (equal  to  twenty  dollars.)  They  are 
poor  creatures  indeed,  in  every  sense  of  the  word.  They  ap- 
pear to  be  very  affectionate  to  each  other.  When  we  are  visit- 
ed on  board  by  other  Kroomen,  they  beg  food  for  them,  or 
divide  their  own  portion  among  the  visiters.  They  prefer  rice, 
which  they  boil  and  use  with  palm-oil,  to  animal  food.  They 
sit  down  around  a  large  dish  of  rice,  and  make  use  of  their 
hands  instead  of  spoons. 

"  Tuesday  Tnorning,  ^ipril  \lth. — We  were  off  the  Galinas 
with  a  light  wind,  proceeding  on  towards  the  Shebar,  which  is 
the  entrance  into  Sherbro  Sound,  near  the  eastern  part  of  Sher- 
bro  Island.  We  wished  to  cross  over  the  Shebar,  which  is  dif- 
ficult without  a  skilful  pilot.  A  native,  who  resides  at  Bohol, 
within  the  bar,  on  discovering  a  vessel,  generally  goes  out  in 
his  canoe  to  meet  her.  We  hoped  to  be  discovered  by  him,  so 
that  we  might  pass  over  in  safety.  Our  object  was  to  visit  our 
people  at  Yonie,  a  native  town  on  the  island,  opposite  Bohol, 
which  is  on  the  main.  At  evening  we  heard  the  surf  roar  as 
its  waves  rolled  over  the  Shebar;  it  is  heard  several  leagues; 
the  wind  was  ahead,  and  we  made  slow  progress.  Our  vessel 
appeared  to  leak  more  than  she  had  done,  and  the  inexperience 
of  our  navigators  gave  us  great  anxiety;  but  our  trust  was  still 
in  God  alone. 

"  Wednesday ^^ipril  ISih. — Still  we  were  off  the  Shebar,  but 
had  made  little  progress  during  the  night;  at  twelve  o'clock 
there  was  a  tornado;  the  wind  blew  powerfully  twenty  or 
thirty  minutes,  and  was  accompanied  with  considerable  rain. 
These  tornadoes  are  nothing  to  be  compared  with  the  hurri- 
canes which  are  common  among  the  West  India  Islands. 

"  Thursday  tnorning,  April  1  ^Ih. — We  were  within  sight  of 
the  Shebar,  and  had  a  delightful  air  after  the  rains.  Lying  off 
and  on  with  our  vessel,  hoping  a  pilot  would  come  off  to  aur 
assistance,  several  guns  were  fired  as  signals  for  pilots,  but 
none  came ;  therefore,  we  had  but  two  alternatives,  one  was  to 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  155 

sail  round  the  Island,  which  as  the  wind  is  light  requires  seven 
or  ten  days;  the  other  was  to  send  our  boat  over  the  Shebar 
for  a  pilot.  As  our  sailors  were  unwilling  to  go  in  the  boat,  I 
prevailed  upon  them  by  proposing  to  accompany  them.  After 
approaching  as  near  the  Shebar  as  was  thouglu  prudent,  the 
vessel-  was  brought  to  anchor  at  4  o'clock,  P.  M.  The  boat 
was  manned  with  the  mate  of  the  vessel  and  three  natives,  one 
a  sailor,  the  others  Kroomen.  The  mate,  although  a  tolerably 
good  boatman,  apprehended  more  danger  than  I  did,  for  I  had. 
not  much  experience  in  crossing  such  bars.  At  length  we 
started  in  the  boat,  and  approached  near  the  bar.  It  appeared 
dangerous  indeed.  The  mate  being  at  the  rudder,  gave  direc- 
tions to  the  oarsmen  to  obey  him  promptly;  he  told  them  he 
should  watch  the  motion  of  the  waves,  and  that,  when  he  or- 
dered them  to  pull  at  the  oars,  they  must  pull  for  their  lives. 
We  soon  found  our  boat  first  soaring  over  the  turbulent  waves, 
then  plunging  into  the  deep,  while  the  waves  were  rolling  in 
quick  succession  after  us,  each  appearing  as  if  it  would  ingulf 
us  in  the  ocean.  One  wave  poured  about  sixty  gallons  of 
water  into  the  boat,  which  caused  me  active  employment  in 
lading  out  the  water;  the  boat  having  been  brought  quartering 
to  the  waves,  it  required  quick  exertion  by  the  men  at  the  oars, 
who  were  somewhat  frightened,  but  were  enabled  to  bring  the 
the  boat  to  its  proper  position  before  the  succeeding  wave 
came,  which  carried  us  over  the  greatest  danger;  by  that  time 
I  had  nearly  laded  out  the  water.  Indeed,  it  was  mercy  to  us 
that  we  were  not  swallowed  up.  Not  unto  us!  not  unto  us! 
but  unto  thy  name,  0  God,  be  all  the  glory,  both  now  and  for 
ever!" 

When  Messrs.  Bacon  and  Andrus  had  returned  from  this 
exploring  voyage,  they  found  Mr.  Winn  and  the  emigrants 
from  America,  comfortably  situated  at  Foura  Bay;  some  of 
tliose  who  had  been  located  at  Sherbro  had  joined  them.  The 
people  continued,  in  general,  to  enjoy  comfortable  health  up  to 
this  time ;  except  that  within  a  few  days  some  complaints  had 
been  made  of  slight  fever.  Mr.  Bacon  learning  that  his  wife 
was  sick,  obtained  a  horse  and  proceeded  to  Regent's  Town, 
where  she  had  been  hospitably  and  kindly  entertained  at  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Johnson's.  Here,  morning  and  evening,  she  enjoyed 
in  the  church,  the  sight  of  the  children  of  Ethiopia  stretching 
out  their  hands  unto  God.     Mrs.  Bacon's  health  continued  to 


156  HISTORY    OF  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

decline,  and  early  in  May,  Mr.  Bacon  was  also  attacked  by  the 
African  fever. 

The  Alligator,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Robert  F. 
Stockton,  which  had  been  some  time  expected,  about  this  time 
arrived.  Mr.  Winn  and  Mr.  Bacon,  the  agents  of  the  United 
States  government,  concluded  that  it  would  be  expedient  to 
remove  the  people  as  early  as  possible  from  Yonie,  on  the 
Island  of  Sherbro,  to  Bassa  Cove,  where  they  had  made  a  con- 
tract for  land  for  a  settlement,  as  has  been  related. 

The  health  both  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bacon  continued  to  decline; 
so  that  it  was  judged  best  for  them  to  seize  the  first  opportu- 
nity of  returning  to  the  United  States,  it  being  supposed  that  a 
sea  voyage  would  be  serviceable  to  their  health.  As  the  Nau- 
tilus had  sailed,  and  no  opportunity  of  a  direct  conveyance 
offered,  they  resolved  to  sail  in  a  schooner  bound  for  Barba- 
does.  At  the  time  of  their  departure,  they  were  both  exceed- 
ingly debilitated  •,  but  after  suffering  much  on  the  voyage,  they 
both,  through  the  goodness  of  God,  arrived  again  in  their  na- 
tive country. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Andrus,  agent  for  the  American  Colonization 
Society,  was  so  deeply  affected  with  the  consideration  of  the 
wants  of  Africa,  that  he  resolved  to  spend  his  life  as  a  mission- 
ary among  the  natives ;  but  alas !  like  many  others,  his  race 
was  soon  run  in  this  unfriendly  climate.  On  the  2Slh  of  July, 
1821,  after  a  short  illness,  he  died  at  Sierra  Leone.  And  this 
was  not  the  only  victim  of  the  company  who  came  out  in  the 
Nautilus.  In  less  than  a  month  after  the  decease  of  Mr.  An- 
drus, both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Winn  died  at  the  same  place.  Mr. 
Winn's  death  occurred  on  the  25th  of  August,  and  Mrs.  Winn's 
on  the  31st  of  the  same  month. 

The  Managers  of  the  Colonization  Society,  in  communicating 
these  melancholy  facts  in  their  Fifth  Report,  give  the  following 
just  tribute  to  the  memory  of  these  devoted  persons.  "The 
fidelity  and  zeal  evinced  by  these  meritorious  and  respected  in- 
dividuals, during  the  period  of  their  connexion  with  the  service, 
in  which  they  were  so  soon  called  to  surrender,  with  the  attrac- 
tions of  country  and  of  Christian  society,  their  valuable  lives, 
demand  from  the  managers  an  honourable  mention,  and  from 
all  the  friends  of  the  cause  a  grateful  and  cherished  recollec- 
tion." 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  157 


CHAPTER  X. 

LAWS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  RESPECTING  THE  SLAVE  TRADE, 
AND  DISPOSAL  OF  RECAPTURED  AFRICANS. 

By  the  compromise  between  the  North  and  the  South  at  the 
time  of  adopting  the  federal  constitution,  an  article  v/as  intro- 
duced, by  which  Congress  was  prohibited  from  enacting  any  law 
to  prevent  the  importation  of  slaves  into  any  of  the  United  States 
which  might  wish  to  introduce  them,  before  the  year  180S. 
The  only  State  which  availed  itself  of  this  reserved  right  was 
South  Carolina.  Shortly  before  the  limited  time  had  expired, 
the  slave  trade  was  briskly  carried  on  in  the  ports  of  this  State ; 
and  a  considerable  number  of  Africans  were  imported.  In  all 
the  other  maritime  States  this  traffic  was  forbidden. 

As  soon  as  it  could  be  done  constitutionally,  a  law  was  passed 
by  Congress  entirely  prohibiting  the  importation  of  slaves  into 
the  United  States.  This  law  was  enacted  as  early  as  March 
3cl,  1 807,  to  take  effect  at  the  very  commencement  of  the  follow- 
ing year.  By  the  provisions  of  this  law,  the  vessel  which 
should  be  found  engaged  in  the  slave  trade,  with  her  tackle, 
furniture  and  lading,  were  subjected  to  forfeiture :  one  moiety 
to  go  to  the  United  States,  the  other  to  those  who  should  sue 
for  the  same.  And  the  persons  convicted  of  being  engaged  in 
this  traffic,  were  made  liable  to  punishment,  by  fine  and  impri- 
sonment. It  was  moreover  provided,  that  no  person  or  persons 
engaged  in  importing  slaves,  should  possess  any  right  to  hold 
them  in  bondage,  or  to  enjoy  their  labour;  but  "  the  same  shall 
remain  subject  to  any  regulations,  not  contravening  said  pro- 
visions, which  the  Legislatures  of  the  several  States  or  Terri- 
tories, may  at  any  time  heretofore  have  made,  or  hereafter 
may  make,  for  disposing  of  any  negro,  mulatto,  or  person  of 
colour. ^^  The  use  which  some  of  the  States  might  be  disposed 
to  make  of  the  power  here  given,  was  certainly  unforeseen  by 
Congress.  And  not  only  so,  but  the  law  was  manifestly  defec- 
tive, inasmuch  as  it  authorized  the  capture  of  slaves  and  their 
14 


158  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

importation  into  the  United  States,  without  making  any  provi- 
sion for  the  disposal  of  them  when  taken ;  nor  even  any  provi- 
sion for  the  expense  of  their  maintenance.  The  evil  of  these 
defects  was  soon  experienced,  for  in  June,  1817,  the  Legislature 
of  the  State  of  Georgia,  in  pursuance  of  the  power  granted  to 
the  States,  enacted  a  law,  authorizing  and  instructing  the  Gov- 
ernor of  the  State,  to  demand  and  receive  all  slaves,  who  being 
condemned  under  the  act  of  Congress  aforesaid,  should  be  intro- 
duced into  any  of  the  ports  of  that  State ;  '<  and  to  cause  the 
said  negroes,  mulattoes,  or  coloured  persons  to  be  sold,  after 
giving  sixty  days'  notice,  in  a  public  gazette.^'  This  law, 
however,  contained  one  saving  clause,  by  which  it  was  provi- 
ded, "  That  if  previous  to  any  sale  of  any  such  persons  of 
colour,  the  Society  for  the  Colonization  of  the  free  people  of 
colour,  within  the  United  States,  will  undertake  to  transport 
them  to  Africa,  or  any  other  foreign  place  which  they  may  pro- 
cure as  a  colony  for  free  persons  of  colour,  at  the  sole  expense 
of  said  society,  and  shall  likewise  pay  all  expenses  incurred  by 
the  State  since  they  have  been  captured  and  condemned,  his 
excellency  the  Governor  is  authorized  and  requested  to  aid  in 
promoting  the  benevolent  views  of  said  society  in  such  manner 
as  he  may  deem  expedient."  It  was  not  long  after  the  passing 
of  this  law,  before  a  case  occurred  to  which  it  was  applicable. 
Thirty-four  African  slaves,  captured  by  a  vessel  of  the  United 
States,  were  brought  into  Georgia,  and  the  Governor,  according 
to  the  directions  of  the  law,  advertised  the  sale  of  these  captur- 
ed slaves.  This  advertisement,  published  in  a  gazette  of  Mil- 
ledgeville,  was  communicated  to  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the 
Colonization  Society,  by  the  Hon.  William  H.  Crawford,  one  of 
the  Vice-Presidents  of  the  Society.  The  Board  considered  it  a 
matter  of  high  importance  to  prevent  these  unhappy  Africans 
from  being  sold  into  perpetual  slavery  in  this  country;  and  that 
after  the  slave  trade  was  entirely  abolished  by  law.  They  needed 
a  person  of  intelligence  and  character  to  proceed  to  Georgia;  and 
in  this  emergency,  that  early  and  cordial  friend  of  colonization, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  (now  Bishop)  Mead,  of  Virginia,  offered  his  ser- 
vices. A  more  competent  and  fit  agent  for  this  special  busi- 
ness, could  not  have  been  found  in  the  United  States.  As  the 
sale  was  to  take  place  at  an  early  day,  it  was  necessary  for  the 
agent  to  use  much  expedition.    He  was  able  by  diligence,  how- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  159 

ever,  to  reach  ISIilledgeville  in  time  to  arrest  the  sale,  and 
enjoyed  the  pecuHar  pleasure  of  witnessing  the  joy  of  these 
unfortunate  Airicans,  upon  receiving  a  deliverance  so  little 
expected.  Indeed,  he  felt  that  the  instrumentality  which  he 
was  permitted  to  have  in  this  rescue,  was  an  ample  reward  for 
the  time  and  labour  of  his  long  journey.  The  managers  also, 
though  by  this  means  they  incurred  a  heavy  expense,  were 
greatly  delighted  by  the  successful  accomplishment  of  this  desi- 
rable object. 

As  this  whole  difficulty  had  arisen  from  the  defects  of  the 
law  of  Congress,  it  became  now  an  object  of  deep  interest  to 
get  Congress  to  pass  a  supplementary  act,  providing  against 
the  recurrence  of  such  an  event.  This  was  accomplished  on 
the  3d  of  March,  1819,  when  Congress  passed  a  law  which  pro- 
vided, that  when  any  vessel  containing  slaves  should  be  cap- 
tured by  a  vessel  of  the  United  States  and  brought  into  any  of 
our  ports,  the  President  should  be  authorized  "  to  make  such 
regulations  and  arrangements  as  he  may  deem  expedient,  for 
the  safe-keeping,  support,  and  removal  beyond  the  limits  of  the 
United  States  of  all  such  negroes,  mulattoes,  and  coloured  per- 
sons, as  should  be  brought  within  their  jurisdiction;  and  to 
appoint  a  proper  person  or  persons  to  reside  on  the  coast  of 
Africa,  as  agent  or  agents,  for  receiving  the  negroes,  mulattoes, 
or  persons  of  colour  delivered  from  on  board  vessels  seized  in 
prosecution  of  the  slave  trade,  by  the  United  States  armed  ves- 
sels." This  act  also  provided,  "  That  a  bounty  of  twenty-five 
dollars  be  paid  to  the  officers  and  crews  of  the  commissioned 
vessels  of  the  United  States,  or  revenue  cutters,  for  each  and 
every  negro,  mulatto,  or  person  of  colour,  who  should  be  de- 
livered to  the  marshal,  or  agent  duly  appointed  to  receive 
them." 

This  act  gave  great  pleasure  to  the  friends  of  African  coloni- 
zation. The  managers  of  the  Colonization  Society,  in  their 
Third  Report,  say,  "  This  act,  by  supplying  the  defects  of 
pre-existing  laws,  and  imposing  new  restraints  upon  a  cruel 
and  disgraceful  traffic,  shed  a  ray  of  light,  dear  to  humanity, 
on  the  expiring  moments  of  the  Fifteenth  Congress,  and  ele- 
vated the  American  character,  in  the  view  of  the  world." 
It  was  also  a  favourable  circumstance,  that  President  Monroe 
put  a  construction  on  this  act,  entirely  conformable  to  the 
wishes  of  the  managers;   and  immediately  appointed  agents 


IGO  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

to  receive  such  liberated  Africans  as  might  be  sent  to  them: 
whose  duty  it  was  made,  if  practicable,  to  restore  them  to  their 
native  country  and  friends;  and  if  that  could  not  be  done,  to 
provide,  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States,  for  their  support. 
It  was  under  this  law,  and  at  this  time,  that  the  Rev.  Samuel 
I3acon,  and  John  P.  Bankson,  Esq.,  were  appointed  agents  to 
go  to  Africa. 

Although  the  sale  of  the  thirty-four  Africans  was  prevented 
by  the  timely  arrival  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mead;  yet  they  were 
not  immediately  delivered  to  the  agent  of  the  Colonization 
Society.  Certain  Spaniards  had  put  in  a  claim  for  them  as 
their  property,  and  a  legal  decision  in  the  courts  of  the  United 
States  was  necessary,  before  they  could  be  given  up. 

Information  was  also  received  by  the  managers,  that  these 
were  not  the  only  captured  slaves  which  had  been  introduced 
into  Georgia;  but  that  several  hundred  had  been  introduced 
into  the  State,  in  similar  circumstances  with  the  thirty-four; 
and  that  as  many  as  sixty  had  been  actually  sold,  and  were  in 
a  state  of  hopeless  slavery.  The  others,  having  been  claimed, 
and  the  matter  being  still  in  dispute,  had  been  hired  out  through 
the  State;  it  being  stipulated  that  they  should  be  delivered 
when  required.  It  was  feared,  however,  that  there  would 
exist  great  difficulty  in  recovering  them,  as  the  securities  on 
which  they  had  been  hired,  were,  in  many  cases,  insufficient : 
and  if  reclaimed,  they  7nust  still  be  sold  into  hereditary  slavery, 
unless  Congress  interposes;  or  unless  the  Colonization  Society 
should  become  able  to  pay  the  expenses  of  their  capture,  and 
claim  them  under  the  provisions  of  the  law  of  Georgia,  before 
mentioned. 

It  was  also  ascertained  by  the  managers,  that  slaves,  under 
similar  circumstances,  had  been  introduced  into  Alabama;  but 
the  manner  of  disposing  of  them  is  not  known.  These  cases 
were  laid  before  the  president  of  the  United  States,  in  the 
hope,  that  he  would  bring  the  matter  before  Congress,  and 
obtain  the  power — if  he  did  not  already  possess  it — to  place 
them  in  the  same  situation  as  those  brought  into  the  country 
since  March,  1819. 

In  the  year  1820,  the  managers  of  the  Colonization  Society 
received  an  interesting  communication  from  General  John  H. 
Cocke,  of  Virginia;  the  sum  of  which  was,  that  General  Kos- 
ciusko   had  bequeathed  a  fund,  exceeding  twenty  thousand 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  161 

dollars  to  Mr.  Jefferson,  in  trust,  for  the  purchase  of  young 
female  slaves,  that  they  might  be  educated,  and  then  emanci- 
pated. It  was  supposed,  that  by  incorporating  this  fund  with 
those  of  the  society,  the  will  of  the  testator  might  be  carried 
into  effect;  which  could  not  be  done  in  Virginia,  as  by  the 
laws,  no  slaves  could  be  emancipated  to  remain  in  the  State. 

Mr.  JMead's  visit  to  the  South  was  not  only  the  means  of 
rescuing  from  slavery  the  Africans  mentioned  above,  with  the 
prospect  of  their  being  restored  to  their  native  country;  but 
was,  in  other  respects,  highly  beneficial  to  the  colonization  cause; 
especially,  by  the  aid  which  he  rendered  in  originating  and 
organizing  auxiliary  colonization  societies. 

During  this  year,  the  society  evidently  rose  rapidly  in  the 
estimation  of  the  public,  as  many  auxiliaries  were  formed  in 
almost  every  part  of  the  United  States,  and  many  of  the  most 
distinguished  citizens  of  the  republic  openly  appeared  in  favour 
of  the  institution. 

We  ought  not,  however,  to  omit  to  mention,  that  the  Rev. 
jNIr.  Mead's  efficient  services  were  not  confined  to  his  visit  to 
Georgia;  for  he  travelled  as  far  as  Maine,  as  the  voluntary 
agent  of  the  Board,  and  every  where,  by  his  weight  of  charac- 
ter, zeal,  and  eloquence,  greatly  promoted  the  interests  of  the 
Colonization  Society. 

The  communications  from  England,  this  year,  were  also 
very  encouraging  to  the  managers ;  and  at  home,  among  the 
liberal  contributors  to  their  funds,  they  had  the  pleasure  of 
inserting  the  name  of  his  excellency,  M.  Hyde  de  Neuville, 
minister  plenipotentiary  of  France. 

The  President,  in  his  message  to  both  Houses  of  Congress, 
informed  them,  "  that  it  had  been  decided  to  send  a  public  ship 
to  the  coast  of  Africa,  with  two  agents,  who  will  take  with 
them  tools,  and  other  implements  which  shall  be  necessary.  To 
each  of  these  agents  a  small  salary  had  been  allowed ;  to  the 
principal,  fifteen  hundred  dollars,  and  to  the  other,  twelve  hun- 
dred." These  measures  of  the  government  were  well  intended, 
and  favourable  to  the  cause  of  colonization ;  but  in  the  adop- 
tion of  all  such  measures  there  seems  to  have  been  a  great 
want  of  foresight,  and  careful  attention  to  the  circumstances  of 
the  case.  For  while  agents  were  appointed,  and  the  recaptured 
Africans  ordered  to  be  sent  back,  the  government  had  made  no 
14* 


162  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

provision  for  their  reception  or  comfortable  accommodation  in 
that  continent.  The  first  object,  undoubtedly,  should  have 
been  to  secure  a  territory,  and  this  before  any  persons  were 
transported  to  that  country.  But  in  the  planting  of  colonies, 
as  well  as  other  things,  wisdom  is  learned  by  painful  experi- 
ence. We  have  already  seen  the  disasters  which  attended  this 
first  emigration,  and  how  many  valuable  lives  have  been  sacri- 
ficed in  the  prosecution  of  this  noble  enterprise. 

The  managers  of  the  society,  having  it  as  one  important 
object  of  the  scheme  which  they  had  undertaken,  to  put  an  end 
to  the  slave  trade,  were  grieved  to  learn,  that  notwithstanding 
the  laws  which  had  been  enacted,  prohibiting  this  nefarious 
traffic,  still  it  was  carried  on,  and  that  many  slaves  had  been 
clandestinely  introduced  into  the  United  States,  were  care- 
ful to  call  the  attention  of  the  government  to  this  subject, 
which  led  to  an  inquiry,  the  result  of  which  was,  that  the  slave 
trade  had  been  carried  on  to  some  extent  on  the  south-western 
coast  of  the  United  States. 

When  the  second  report  of  the  Board  was  published,  copies 
were  forwarded  through  Mr.  Rush,  our  ambassador,  to  His  Roy- 
al Highness  William  Frederick,  and  to  Lord  Gambler.  From 
both  of  these  noble  personages,  letters  were  returned  of  a  highly 
encouraging  nature.  The  former,  in  his  note  to  Mr.  Rush, 
says,  "  It  is  no  small  gratification  to  me  to  receive  the  interesting 
report  of  the  society  for  colonizing  the  free  people  of  colour. 
The  object  is  most  important,  and  dear  to  the  best  feelings  of 
human  nature.  It  is,  I  trust,  unnecessary  for  me  to  express  the 
satisfaction  1  shall  feel  in  perusing  the  account  of  the  proceed- 
ings of  an  institution  founded  for  such  a  benevolent  object,  and 
which  is  likely  to  be  attended  with  such  useful  consequences. 
And  I  hope  I  may  be  allowed  to  express  my  anxious  wish  that 
the  meritorious  exertions  of  the  gentlemen  of  this  excellent 
society  may  be  crowned  with  success." 

Lord  Gambler  addressed  the  following  gratifying  note  to  Mr. 
Rush.  "  Lord  Gambler  presents  his  compliments  to  the  com- 
mittee of  the  society  for  colonizing  the  free  people  of  colour  of 
the  United  States,  and  returns  them  his  best  thanks  for  the 
honour  they  have  conferred  on  him,  in  presenting  him  witli 
their  second  annual  report  to  the  society,  through  Mr.  Rush. 
The  society  has  Lord  Gambler's  cordial  wishes  for  their  suc- 
cess, and  the  advancement  of  the  benevolent  cause  in  which 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  163 

they  are  engaged,  and  will  be  happy  to  avail  himself  of  any 
occasion  that  may  offer  to  promote  the  great  objects  of  the 
institution." 

The  following  interesting  account  is  borrowed  from  an  arti- 
cle in  the  North  American  Review,  attributed  to  the  pen  of 
Jared  Sparks,  Esq.  It  is  embodied  in  the  Seventh  Annual  Re- 
port of  the  Board  to  the  Society,  and  is  as  follows: 

"  Some  weeks  ago,"  says  the  writer,  "a  vessel  came  into  the 
harbour  of  Baltimore,  which  from  various  circumstances  was 
thought  to  have  negroes  unlawfully  detained  on  board.  So 
strong  was  the  ground  of  suspicion,  that  a  few  individuals  took 
on  themselves  the  responsibility  of  searching  the  vessel,  and 
they  found  concealed  eleven  negroes,  who  were  foreigners, 
incapable  of  speaking  or  understanding  the  English  language. 
A  prosecution  was  accordingly  entered  against  the  captain  as 
being  engaged  in  the  slave-trade;  but  as  he  affirmed,  that  the 
negroes  were  his  own  property  lawfully  acquired,  and  no  proof 
to  the  contrary  could  be  adduced,  he  was  acquitted.  The  law 
demands  that  in  all  doubtful  claims  to  the  property  of  slaves, 
the  labour  of  proof  shall  rest  with  the  claimant,  and  as  the  cap- 
tain in  the  present  case,  could  produce  no  such  proof,  the  ne- 
groes were  detained  by  the  court,  although  he  was  permitted 
to  escape.  Through  the  humanity  of  some  of  the  active  mem- 
bers of  the  Colonization  Society,  these  negroes  were  provided 
for,  by  being  distributed  among  several  families  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Baltimore,  to  remain  till  they  should  learn  the 
language,  and  be  able  to  express  their  wishes  in  regard  to  their 
future  destination. 

"Fortunately,  about  this  time,  a  young  African  by  the  name 
of  Wilkinson,  a  native  of  the  Susoo  country,  on  the  Rio  Pongas, 
arrived  in  Baltimore.  Some  years  ago  a  chief  of  the  Susoos 
entrusted  two  of  his  sons  to  the  care  of  the  captain  of  a  French 
vessel,  trading  in  the  Rio  Pongas,  who  promised  to  take  them 
to  the  West  Indies,  have  them  educated,  and  return  them  at 
the  end  of  four  years.  When  the  stipulated  time  had  gone  by, 
and  nothing  was  heard  of  the  boys,  Wilkinson  was  despatched 
to  the  West  Indies  to  search  them  out;  he  succeeded  in  finding 
them,  but  had  the  mortification  to  learn  that  the  treacherous 
captain  had  not  been  true  to  his  word ;  he  had  deserted  the 
boys,  and  they  were  turned  over  to  work  with  the  slaves. 
Wilkinson  recovered  them,  however,  without  difficulty,  sent 


164  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

them  to  their  father,  and  came  huBself  to  Baltimore  to  take  pas- 
sage home  in  the  colonization  packet.  He  had  already  been 
several  years  in  England,  and  spoke  our  language  with  fluency. 
Soon  after  his  arrival  he  visited  some  of  the  recaptured  Afri- 
cans just  mentioned,  and  discovered  that  they  came  from  the 
region  bordering  on  his  own  country,  and  spoke  a  dialect 
which  he  well  understood,  although  it  was  not  his  native  Susoo 
tongue.  They  were  overjoyed  at  seeing  a  person  with  whom 
they  could  converse,  but  were  incredulous  when  he  told  them 
that  they  were  free,  and  might  return  home  if  they  chose. 
They  said  he  was  deceiving  them,  that  they  knew  they  were 
slaves,  and  should  never  again  see  their  native  land,  their  rela- 
tives and  friends;  so  thoroughly  were  they  impressed  with  the 
melancholy  conviction  of  being  in  slavery,  that  no  protestations 
could  make  them  bel|^ve  in  his  entire  sincerity.  They  exclaimed 
with  raptures  at  the  thought  of  freedom,  and  of  going  back  to 
Africa,  but  would  not  hope  that  such  a  dream  could  ever  be 
realized.  The  situation  of  these  persons  was  made  known  by 
the  Colonization  Society  to  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
who  said,  that  if  proper  certificates  were  given  of  their  desire 
to  return,  the  government  would  pay  the  expense  of  transpor- 
tation. The  navy  agent  at  Baltimore  was  ordered  to  have 
them  examined.  They  were  brought  together  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  as  the  examination  could  only  be  carried  on  through 
Wilkinson  as  interpreter,  he  gave  his  testimony  under  oath. 
We  shall  speak  of  this  interesting  examination  nearly  in  the 
words  of  Mr,  Coale,  secretary  of  the  Baltimore  auxiliary  so- 
ciety, who  was  present  and  took  an  account  of  the  proceedings 
in  writing.  The  general  question  was  put  to  them  severally, 
whether  they  wished  to  remain  in  this  country  as  freemen, 
or  be  sent  to  Mesurado,  and  thence  if  practicable  to  their 
homes.  Dowrey  was  the  first  who  was  called  to  answer.  He 
was  chief  in  his  own  country,  of  whom  Wilkinson  had  some 
knowledge.  He  replied,'!  wish  to  go  home,  I  wish  to  see 
my  father,  my  wife,  and  children;  I  have  been  at  Mesurado, 
I  live  but  three  day's  walk  from  that  place.'  Barterou  an- 
swered, '  Let  me  go  home,  I  have  a  wife,  I  have  two  children, 
I  live  a  morning's  walk  from  Dowrey.'  The  next  person  call- 
ed was  Mousah,  the  son  of  a  highly  respectable  chief,  with 
whom  Wilkinson  was  personally  acquainted ;  he  had  been  Hv- 
ing  with  General  Harper,  and  when  asked  if  he  was  not  dis- 


HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  165 

posed  to  remain  and  be  instructed,  and  go  home  hereafter  and 
teach  his  comitrymen,  he  rephed;  'General  Harper  is  a  good 
man,  he  will  give  me  clothes  and  food,  and  be  kind  to  me,  but 
he  cannot  give  me  my  wife  and  children."  When  the  general 
question  was  put  to  Cubangerie,  he  replied; '  Why  do  you  ask 
this  question  over  and  over?  I  am  so  rejoiced  at  the  thoughts 
of  returning,  that  I  want  words  to  express  myself  Do  you 
not  know  that  nothing  is  so  dear  as  a  man's  home?'  Mazzey 
said, '  My  mother  is  living,  my  father  is  living,  I  have  two  sis- 
ters, I  shall  be  grateful  to  those  who  send  me  to  my  family  and 
friends.'  The  answer  of  Fanghah  was, '  I  shall  be  joyful  to  go 
home,  I  have  a  father,  mother,  wife,  sister,  and  three  children 
to  meet  me  in  my  own  country.'  Corree  said  that  all  he  de- 
sired was  to  be  landed  in  Africa,  and  he  should  soon  find  his 
way  home.     Banhah  made  nearly  the  same  reply. 

"  After  these  eight  persons  were  examined,  they  expressed 
great  anxiety  to  be  joined  by  two  of  their  companions  not  pre- 
sent. These  had  been  placed  with  a  man,  who,  it  seems,  was 
not  willing  to  part  with  them,  and  had  reported  that  they  wish- 
ed to  remain.  This  proved  a  false  pretence  set  up  with  a  view 
to  profit  by  the  labour  of  the  negroes;  and  whatever  may  be 
the  power  of  the  law  in  such  a  case,  it  will  be  difficult  to  make 
it  appear  in  the  eye  of  justice,  in  any  better  light  than  the 
crime  of  being  engaged  in  the  slave-trade.  A  writ  on  a  ficti- 
tious suit  was  taken  out  against  the  negroes,  and  they  were 
thus  released  from  thraldom  and  brought  to  the  place  of  exam- 
ination. When  they  arrived,  their  companions  sprang  with 
ecstasies  to  meet  them,  embraced  them  again  and  again,  caught 
them  in  their  arms,  raised  them  from  the  ground,  and  continued 
for  half  an  hour  at  intervals  to  embrace  and  shake  them  by  the 
hand.  Nothing  could  exceed  their  joy  at  being  told  that  they 
were  free,  and  would  sail  in  a  day  or  two  for  Africa. 

"  These  ten  persons,  thus  providentially  rescued  from  perpe- 
tual slavery,  and  made  happy  in  the  anticipations  of  again  be- 
holding their  native  land,  and  of  carrying  gladness  to  many  a 
weeping  disconsolate  heart,  owed  their  deliverance  chiefly  to 
the  Colonization  Society.  They  have  gone  home  to  prove  to 
their  countrymen  and  friends,  that  white  men  are  not  all  bar- 
barians, traffickers  in  human  flesh,  and  artificers  of  human 
misery;  but  that  the  flame  of  benevolent  feeling  may  some- 
times kindle  and  burn  even  in  the  breasts  of  this  portion  of 


IQQ  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

their  race  whom  they  had  liitherto  known  only  as  catchers  of 
their  own  species,  and  workers  in  crime. 

"We  know  not  the  spring  of  other  men's  joys,  but  as  for 
ourselves,  call  it  weakness  or  enthusiasm,  or  what  you  will, 
we  frankly  confess,  that  the  heartfelt  delight  of  having  been 
instrumental  in  restoring  these  men  to  freedom  and  happiness, 
would  have  been  to  us  a  double  compensation  for  all  the  em- 
barrassments, rebuffs,  and  obstacles,  numerous  and  severe  as 
they  have  been,  which  the  members  of  the  society  have  thus 
far  experienced.  Had  they  brought  to  pass  from  the  begin- 
ning only  this  one  deed,  we  would  lift  up  our  voice  in  praise  of 
their  noble  achievement,  and  say  they  had  been  blessed  with  a 
good  reward.  These  rescued  Africans,  full  of  gratitude  to  their 
deliverers,  sailed  with  Wilkinson  in  the  Fidelity,  for  Mesura- 
do,  in  October  last;  Dr.  Ayres  had  directions  to  send  them  home 
as  soon  as  they  arrived." 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  167 


CHAPTER  XI 

AGENCY  OF  DR.  AYRES  AND  PURCHASE  OF  MESURADO  BY  HIM 
AND  CAPTAIN  R.  F.  STOCKTON. 

It  was  considered  a  circumstance  peculiarly  favourable  and 
providential,  that  at  this  critical  period  of  the  society's  affairs, 
Dr.  Ely  Ayres,  a  medical  gentleman,  believed  to  be  possessed 
of  every  qualification  for  the  office,  offered  himself  to  the  Board 
to  go  out  to  Africa;  and  in  the  month  of  July  1822,  sailed  in 
the  armed  schooner  Shark,  Lieutenant  Perry.  Until  the  arrival 
of  Dr.  Ayres,  the  emigrants  had  never  enjoyed  the  regular 
attendance  of  a  physician.  The  society  were  also  encouraged 
by  the  latest  reports  from  Africa,  for  out  of  a  population  of 
one  hundred  people  of  colour,  natives  of  America,  some  of 
whom  had  been  exposed  to  two  rainy  seasons,  not  more  than 
four  deaths  occurred  during  the  year;  and  of  these,  it  was 
believed,  that  only  one  was  attributable  to  the  climate.  It  was 
also  ascertained  by  a  comparison  of  facts  at  Sierra  Leone,  that 
the  climate  is  much  less  noxious  to  black  than  to  white  men, 
coming  from  the  same  climate. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  Dr.  Ayres  in  the  Shark,  Captain 
Stockton,  in  the  Alligator,  came  on  the  coast,  and  the  opportu- 
nity was  seized,  in  compliance  with  his  instructions,  to  explore 
the  coast,  and  select  and  purchase  a  territory ;  and  Captain 
Stockton's  orders  were  to  cooperate  with  the  agents  of  the 
Colonization  Society  in  securing  a  convenient  territory  for  the 
settlement  of  the  emigrants.  It  was  also  a  peculiarly  favoura- 
ble circumstance,  that  the  services  of  an  officer  of  so  much  in- 
telligence, energy,  and  personal  courage  should  have  been  put 
into  requisition,  on  this  occasion. 

Dr.  Ayres,  leaving  Mr.  Wiitberger  in  charge  of  the  affairs 
of  the  society  at  Foura  Bay,  accompanied  Captain  Stockton  on 
an  exploring  voyage  along  the  coast,  in  the  schooner  Augusta, 


IjS  history    of    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

which,  it  will  be  recollected,  had  been  purchased  by  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Bacon. 

On  the  11th  of  December,  they  came  to  anchor  in  the  Mesu- 
rado  Bay,  and  the  appearance  of  the  coast  in  this  quarter,  con- 
firming the  favourable  reports  which  they  had  heard,  they  de- 
termined to  land,  and  attempt  a  negotiation.  After  much 
delay  they  obtained  a  promise  from  the  king  to  hold  a  "  pala- 
ver," but  to  reach  his  residence  they  were  obliged  to  leave  the 
coast,  and  make  their  way  by  winding,  narrow  paths,  through 
an  almost  impervious  jungle.  They  were  aware  that  they 
were  putting  themselves  completely  in  the  power  of  these  bar- 
barians, in  whose  breasts  every  malignant  passion  had  been 
fostered  by  the  nefarious  slave  trade ;  but  they  felt  the  import- 
ance of  making  a  bold  effort;  and  so  they  took,  as  it  were, 
their  lives  in  their  hands,  and  conducted  by  a  guide,  proceeded 
until  they  arrived  at  the  place  where  the  palaver  was  to  be 
held.  Here  they  found  the  king  and  his  head-men,  with  hun- 
dreds of  people  collected.  At  one  time,  the  assembly  became 
highly  excited,  and,  indeed,  so  agitated,  that  Captain  Stockton 
and  Dr.  Ayres  were  placed  in  imminent  danger  of  their  lives ; 
but  the  courage  and  presence  of  mind  of  Captain  Stockton,  on 
this  trying  occasion,  extricated  them,  and  restored  the  multitude 
to  a  state  of  tranquillity,  and  not  only  so,  but  they  succeeded 
before  the  "palaver  broke  up"  in  forming  a  contract  for  the 
purchase  of  a  territory,  which  was  drawn  up  and  executed 
with  the  usual  solemnities.  This  contract  or  treaty  was  signed 
by  six  kings,  by  their  marks,  and  by  Captain  Robert  F.  Stock- 
ton and  Dr.  Ely  Ayres.  The  territory  purchased,  included  the 
whole  of  the  Cape,  and  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  running 
back  from  the  coast  a  certain  distance ;  but  of  necessity  the 
boundaries  must  have  been  very  indefinite,  as  so  little  was 
known  of  the  country  by  the  American  agents.  This  part  of 
the  coast  has  always  been  considered  very  important,  and  fre- 
quent efforts  had  been  made  by  Europeans  to  secure  it,  without 
success.  Dr.  Ayres,  in  his  communication  to  the  managers  of 
the  Colonization  Society,  says,  "  It  has  been  the  anxious  desire 
of  European  powers,  to  get  possession  of  this  place,  for  more 
than  one  hundred  years.  Both  the  English  and  French  liave 
made  repeated  trials  to  obtain  it."  Dr.  Ayres  also  gives  many 
reasons  for  preferring  Cape  Mesurado  to  Bassa  Cove,  which 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION".  169 

had  been  selected  by  Messrs.  Bacon  and  Andrus,  which  it  is 
unnecessary  here  to  detail.  It  may,  however,  be  gratifying  to 
the  reader  to  see  his  account  of  the  meeting  at  which  the  con- 
tract was  made.  "  After  waiting  some  time,  they  sent  off  an 
express  for  king  Peter.  It  had  been  represented  to  us  as  unsafe 
to  go  on  shore,  without  being  armed,  and  that  we  should  cer- 
tainly be  murdered  and  robbed.  But  we  determined  to  go 
unarmed,  as  an  evidence  that  our  aim  was  pacific.  While  sit- 
ting and  waiting  for  the  king  under  the  shed  of  a  Krooman, 
the  people  kept  collecting,  most  of  them  with  knives  hanging 
to  their  sides.  At  length  there  came  five  or  six  armed  with 
muskets.  I  began  to  think  there  might  be  some  truth  in  the 
reports.  We  were  now  surrounded  by  fifty  or  sixty,  armed  in 
this  way,  and  we  without  means  of  defence.  I  narrowly 
marked  their  countenances,  as  also  that  of  Captain  Stockton. 
1  saw  that  he  was  no  way  concerned,  and  a  little  observation 
showed  there  was  yet  no  hostility  in  their  intentions.  *    * 

"  Captain  Stockton  has  shown  himself  throughout  this  busi- 
ness, to  be  the  most  consummate  master  of  the  human  heart: 
and  it  is  entirely  owing  to  his  address  and  penetration,  that  we 
have  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  situation,  the  most  desirable,  in 
many  respects,  of  any  on  the  coast;  and  for  which  thousands 
of  pounds  Avould  have  been  given  by  other  persons,  could  they 
have  obtained  it." 

The  consideration  given  for  the  territory,  consisted  of  a 
large  number  of  articles,  enumerated  in  detail,  which,  though 
possessing  no  great  intrinsic  value,  were  such  as  are  held  in 
high  esteem  by  savages.  An  incident  of  thrilling  interest 
occurred  in  the  progress  of  this  negotiation.  When  the 
agents  first  made  known  to  the  king  that  their  object  was 
to  obtain,  by  purchase,  the  Cape  and  the  Island  at  the  mouth 
of  the  river,  he  strongly  objected  to  parting  with  the  Cape, 
saying,  "  If  any  white  man  settle  there,  then  king  Peter 
would  die — they  would  bury  him,  and  then  his  woman  would 
cry  a  plenty."  Care  was  taken  not  to  oppose  the  known  pre- 
judices of  the  people,  nor  to  present  to  them  the  advantages  of 
civilization  and  Christianity,  of  which  they  could  form  no  con- 
ception; but  they  urged  upon  the  king  the  great  advantages  of 
trade,  which  from  such  a  settlement  would  accrue  to  his  people. 
After  giving  a  vague  promise  that  he  would  give  the  land,  and 
15 


170  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

after  seeing  his  head-men,  the  king  said  he  would  come  again, 
the  next  day,  and  conclude  the  bargain.  Accordingly,  the  pala- 
Ter  was  broken  up,  and  the  king  departed.  "  Next  day,"  says 
Dr.  Ayres, "  we  went  to  meet  his  majesty.  We  found  his  head- 
men but  no  king :  yet  we  sent  an  express  for  him.  It  was  not 
until  some  time,  and  several  messages  had  passed,  that  we  could 
get  him  to  meet  us.  When  he  came,  the  palaver  was  continued 
for  about  three  hours;  the  unfortunate  subject  of  the  slave  trade 
was  broached,  and  we  again  broke  up  the  palaver.  Our  pros- 
pect was  now  very  dull ;  we  however  determined  not  to 
give  the  subject  up  lightly;  and  the  next  day  went  on  shore 
again,  where  the  king  had  appointed  to  meet  us.  When  we 
got  there,  we  found  neither  the  king  nor  any  of  his  head-men. 
Our  prospects  now,  were  truly  discouraging.  We,  as  we  had 
done  before,  sent  an  express  for  him.  He  sent  word,  he  would 
not  come  nor  let  us  have  any  land.  It  then  became  necessary 
to  go  and  seek  the  king  in  his  capital,  or  give  np  the  thing  as 
impracticable,  as  all  persons  had  found  it,  who  had  attempted 
to  negotiate  for  this  place,  before.  To  go  to  the  town  was  to 
place  ourselves  entirely  in  the  power  of  a  nation,  who  had 
always  been  represented  as  so  savage  as  to  render  it  unsafe  to 
land  on  their  shore,  without  being  completely  armed.  How- 
ever, we  were  determined  to  go;  and  were  conducted  by  a  Kroo- 
man,  through  dark  dismal  ways,  at  one  time  wading  through 
the  water,  and  at  another  wallowing  through  the  mud;  passing 
through  thick  and  dark  swamps,  in  narrow  paths,  for  six  or 
seven  miles  into  the  interior."  When  they  arrived  at  king 
Peter's  capital,  they  were  shown  into  a  palaver  hall,  spread 
with  mats,  to  wait  the  coming  of  the  king.  The  head-men 
came  and  shook  hands,  and  said,  that  the  king  was  dressing, 
and  would  see  them  in  a  short  time.  After  about  an  hour,  the 
king  made  his  appearance;  but  instead  of  coming  to  shake 
hands,  he  went  and  seated  himself  in  another  palaver  hall ; 
when  his  prime  minister  came  and  invited  them  to  come  to  the 
king.  He  then  shook  hands,  but  looked  very  angry.  The  first 
thing  which  he  said,  was,  "  What  you  want  that  land  for,?" 
Although  this  had  been  fully  and  repeatedly  explained  already, 
yet  the  matter  was  all  gone  over  again.  A  large  number  of 
people  had  now  collected,  and  appeared  in  no  very  pleasant 
humour.     Captain  Stockton,  not  liking  the  position  which  he 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  171 

occupied,  went  and  took  his  seat  very  near  the  king.  Jnst 
at  this  time  a  man  who  was  acquainted  with  the  circumstance 
of  a  youth  having  been  brought  away  from  Bassa,  who  had 
unfortunately  died  at  Sierra  Leone,  where  he  was  left  to  obtain 
an  education,  now  came  forward  and  charged  the  agents  with 
carrying  away  and  killing  the  aforesaid  youth.  Another  Kroo- 
man  who  had  seen  some  of  our  colonists  on  board  the  vessel, 
gave  information  that  these  were  the  people  who  had  been 
quarrelling  at  such  a  rate  in  Sherbro  Island.  The  multitude 
were  not  a  little  excited  by  these  communications.  But  to  in- 
crease their  difficulties  and  embarrassment,  a  mulatto  fellow 
presented  himself  to  Captain  Stockton,  and  told  him  that  he 
was  one  of  those  whom  he  had  recently  captured,  and  informed 
the  assembly  that  this  was  the  very  person  who  liad  captured 
several  slave-vessels.  The  presence  of  these  men  accounted 
for  the  change  which  had  taken  place  in  the  feelings  of  the 
king  and  his  people.  The  situation  of  the  agents  was  now 
critical  in  the  extreme;  surrounded  by  a  multitude  of  savages, 
exasperated  in  the  highest  degree,  by  the  communications 
which  had  been  made  to  them  by  these  men.  They  were  also 
entirely  unarmed,  except  that  Captain  Stockton  had  his  pistols 
in  his  pocket.  In  a  moment  the  vengeful  feelings  of  the  multi- 
tude broke  out  in  a  horrid  war-yell,  and  every  one  of  them  rose 
to  his  feet,  with  the  most  menacing  aspect.  At  this  critical 
moment.  Captain  Stockton,  perceiving  that  immediate  violence 
was  intended,  deliberately  rose,  and  drawing  out  one  of  his 
pistols  presented  it  at  the  head  of  the  king,  while  with  the  other 
hand  raised  to  heaven,  he  solemnly  appealed  to  the  omniscient 
and  omnipotent  God,  who  was  there  present  to  witness  what 
was  going  on,  against  the  injustice  with  which  they  had  been 
treated — on  whose  protection  in  this  dangerous  crisis  he  threw 
himself.  This  act  of  extraordinary  courage  and  self-possession, 
doubtless,  was  the  means,  under  God,  of  saving  the  lives  of 
these  two  brave  men.  The  king  was  intimidated,  and  the 
multitude  fearing  for  the  life  of  their  sovereign,  which  they  saw 
to  be  in  imminent  peril,  fell  flat  on  their  faces;  and  in  a  little 
time,  the  first  impulse  of  savage  rage  having  subsided,  they  be- 
came calm,  and  the  palaver  went  on  more  amicably  than  be- 
fore. 

Thus  by  the  steady  prudence  and  perseverance  of  Dr.  Ayres, 


172  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

and  by  the  energy,  chivalrous  courage,  and  extraordinary  self- 
possession  of  Captain  Stockton,  the  greatest  obstacle  to  the 
success  of  the  colonization  enterprise  was  overcome;  and  suffi- 
cient land  for  a  settlement  was  purchased  from  those  persons 
who  were  acknowledged  to  have  an  undisputed  right  to  the 
country.  The  contract  was  made  and  signed  in  all  due  form, 
and  part  of  the  price  immediately  paid.  The  following  is  a 
literal  and  full  copy  of  the  original  instrument  by  which  this 
important  territory  was  acquired: 

Agreement  for  the  Cession  and  Purchase  of  Lands,  entered  into  between  the 
Agents  of  the  American  Colonization  Society  and  the  King  and  Headmen  of 
Mesurado. 

Know  all  men,  that  this  contract,  made  on  the  fifteenth 
day  of  December,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  twenty-one,  between  King  Peter,  King  George, 
King  Zoda,  and  King  Long  Peter,  their  Princes  and  Headmen, 
of  the  one  part;  and  Captain  Robert  F.  Stockton  and  Eli  Ayres, 
of  the  other  part;  witnesseth:  that  whereas  certain  persons, 
citizens  of  the  United  States  of  America,  are  desirous  to  esta- 
blish themselves  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  and  have  in- 
vested Captain  Robert  F.  Stockton  and  Eli  Ayres  with  full 
powers  to  treat  with  and  purchase  from  us,  the  said  Kings, 
Princes,  and  Headmen,  certain  lands,  viz :  Dozoa  Island,  and 
also  that  portion  of  land  bounded  north  and  west  by  the  At- 
lantic ocean,  and  on  the  south  and  east  by  a  line  drawn 
in  a  south-east  direction  from  the  mouth  of  the  Mesurado 
river,  we,  the  said  Kings,  Princes,  and  Headmen,  being  fully 
convinced  of  the  pacific  and  just  views  of  the  said  citizens  of 
America,  and  being  desirous  to  reciprocate  the  friendship  and 
affection  expressed  for  us  and  our  people,  do  hereby,  in  con- 
sideration of  so  much  paid  in  hand,  viz:  six  muskets,  one  box 
beads,  two  hogsheads  of  tobacco,  one  cask  gunpowder,  six  bars 
iron,  ten  iron  pots,  one  dozen  knives  and  forks,  one  dozen 
spoons,  six  pieces  blue  baft,  four  hats,  three  coats,  three  pair 
shoes,  one  box  pipes,  one  keg  nails,  twenty  looking-glasses, 
three  pieces  handkerchiefs,  three  pieces  calico,  three  canes,  four 
umbrellas,  one  box  soap,  one  barrel  rum:  and  to  be  paid  the 
following — three  casks  tobacco,  one  box  pipes,  three  barrels 
rum,  twelve  pieces  cloth,  six  bars  iron,  one  box  beads,  fifty 
knives,  twenty  looking-glasses,  ten  iron  pots,  (different  sizes.) 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  173 

twelve  guns,  three  barrels  gunpowder,  one  dozen  plates,  one 
dozen  knives  and  forks,  twenty  hats,  five  casks  beef,  five 
barrels  pork,  ten  barrels  biscuit,  twelve  decanters,  twelve  glass 
tumblers,  and  fifty  shoes:  forever  cede  and  relinquish  the 
above  described  lands,  with  all  thereto  appertaining,  or  belong- 
ing, or  reported  so  to  belong,  to  Captain  Robert  F.  Stockton 
and  Eli  Ayres,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  said  premises,  for 
the  use  of  these  said  citizens  of  America.  And  we,  the  said 
Kings,  and  Princes,  and  Headmen,  do  further  pledge  ourselves 
that  we  are  the  lawful  owners  of  the  above  described  lands, 
without  manner  of  condition,  limitation,  or  other  matter. 

The  contracting  parties  pledge  themselves  to  live  in  peace 
and  friendship,  for  ever;  and  do  further  contract  not  to  make 
war,  or  otherwise  molest  or  disturb  each  other. 

We,  the  Kings,  Princes,  and  Headmen,  for  a  proper  con- 
sideration by  us  received,  do  further  agree  to  build  for  the  use 
of  the  said  citizens  of  America  six  large  houses,  on  any  place 
selected  by  them  within  the  above  described  tract  of  ceded 
land. 

In  witness  whereof,  the  said  Kings,  Princes,  and  Head- 
men, on  the  one  part,  and  Captain  Robert  F.  Stockton  and  Eli 
Ayres,  of  the  other  part,  do  set  their  hands  to  this  covenant  on 
the  day  and  year  above  written. 
(Signed,) 

King  Peter,  ><1  his  mark. 

King  George,  XI  his  mark. 

King  ZoDA,  X  his  mark. 

King  Long  Peter,  X  his  mark. 

King  Governor,  X  his  mark. 

King  Jimmy,  XI  his  mark. 

Captain  Robert  F.  Stockton. 

Eli  Ayres,  M.  D. 

mtness    SJohnS.Mill, 
^  John  Craig. 

As  there  were  some  houses  on  Cape  Mesurado,  owned  or 
claimed  by  John  S.  Mill,  these  were  also  purchased,  and  the 
following  contract  entered  into  : 

Jigreement  ivith  J.  S.  Mill. — I  hereby  contract,  for  the  con- 
sideration of  one  barrel  of  rum,  one  tierce  of  tobacco,  one  bar- 
rel of  bread,  one  barrel  of  beef,  one  barrel  of  pork,  and  one 
piece  of  trade-cloth,  to  give  to  Captain  Robert  F.  Stockton  and 
15* 


174  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Eli  Ayres  all  my  right  ciiid  title  to  the  houses  situated  on  the 
land  bought  by  them  on  Cape  Mesurado. 

In  witness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  signed  my  name,  on 
this  sixteenth  day  of  December,  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  twenty-one. 

(Signed,)  John  S,  Mill. 

IV  /  5  ^^^^''^^s  Carey,  X  his  mark. 

f^vicness    ^^villiam  Rogers,  X  his  mark. 

We  promise  to  present  to  Charles  Carey  one  coat. 

(Signed,)  Robert  F.  Stockton, 

Eli  Ayres. 

The  news  of  this  felicitous  transaction  gave  joy  to  all  the 
friends  of  the  cause  in  this  country,  and  inspired  the  Board 
with  new  courage,  as  well  as  more  confident  hopes  of  ultimate 
success. 

Immediately  after  the  purchase  of  a  territory,  Dr.  Ayres 
took  measures  to  have  the  colonists  removed  from  Sierra  Leone 
to  Mesurado.  Some  of  the  people,  while  they  resided  at 
Foura  Bay,  manifested  something  of  a  spirit  of  insubordination; 
and  when  it  was  announced  by  Dr.  Ayres,  that  on  the  first  of 
January,  a  vessel  would  be  ready  to  remove  them  to  the  pur- 
chased possession,  a  few  of  these  refractory  persons  declared 
their  unwillingness  to  remove,  and  accordingly  remained  as 
residents  of  the  British  colony,  "an  event,"  say  the  managers, 
"by  no  means  to  be  regretted." 

The  colonists  arrived  at  Cape  Mesurado  on  the  7th  of  Jan- 
uary, 1822. 

It  was  soon  ascertained  that  King  Peter  had  been  condemned 
by  the  other  chiefs  of  the  country,  for  the  sale  of  the  land,  and 
had  been  threatened  with  the  loss  of  his  head ;  and  that  it  had 
been  decreed  that  our  people  should  leave  the  coast.  Notwith- 
standing this  unpleasant  information,  the  vessel  was  unloaded, 
and  preparations  made  for  building.  It  was  found  indispensa- 
ble, however,  to  have  another  interview  with  the  kings,  when 
it  was  found  that  their  first  intelhgence  was  but  too  well 
founded;  but  the  energy  and  firmness  of  Dr.  Ayres,  the  agent, 
checked  the  rising  opposition  and  restored  tranquillity. 

During  the  month  of  February,  disease  prevailed  among  the 
people,  and  prevented  any  vigorous  exertions.  Those  of  the 
colonists  who  could  not  obtain  a  passage  among  the  first,  or 
who  were  detained  on  other  accounts  at  Foura  Bay,  found  an 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  175 

opportunity  of  following  their  brethren,  in  the  Calypso,  about 
the  middle  of  February. 

The  business  of  the  colony  requiring  the  agent  to  visit 
Sierra  Leone,  he  went  thither,  and  remained  until  the  7th 
of  April,  when  on  landing  at  Mesurado,  he  found  the  colony 
in  a  state  of  confusion  and  alarm.  An  unfortunate  affair 
had  like  to  have  produced  a  failure  of  the  whole  scheme. 
A  small  vessel,  a  prize  to  an  English  cruiser,  with  thirty  cap- 
tured slaves  on  board,  and  bound  for  Sierra  Leone,  put  in 
for  water  at  Perseverance  Island,  a  part  of  the  recently  pur- 
chased territory,  where  the  colonists  were  now  stationed. 
Having  parted  her  cable,  she  drifted  on  shore,  and  was  wreck- 
ed. The  custom  of  the  coast  appropriates  to  the  petty  chief 
on  whose  land  a  shipwreck  takes  place,  the  vessel  and  her 
entire  contents.  King  George,  to  whom  the  land  had  be- 
longed before  the  late  purchase,  sent  his  people  to  take  pos- 
session of  the  vessel  and  goods.  Resistance  was  made  by  the 
captain  and  his  crew,  and  the  savages  were  repelled.  While 
the  natives  were  preparing  to  renew  the  attack,  the  cap- 
tain sent  to  the  agent  of  the  colony  for  aid,  which  was  rea- 
dily granted.  A  boat  was  instantly  manned  and  sent  to  his 
relief;  and  a  brass  field  piece  on  the  island  was  brought  to  bear 
on  the  assailants,  who  were  put  to  the  rout,  with  the  loss  of 
two  killed,  and  several  wounded.  The  crew  and  slaves  were 
brought  in  safety  to  the  land,  but  the  vessel  went  to  pieces,  and 
most  of  the  stores  and  property  were  lost.  The  natives  were 
greatly  exasperated,  both  at  the  loss  of  their  prey,  and  the 
death  of  some  of  their  people.  On  the  following  day  they 
renewed  their  attack  with  a  greater  force,  and  a  British  soldier, 
and  one  of  the  colonists  lost  their  lives.  The  state  of  feeling 
towards  the  colonists  now  became  very  vindictive;  and  the 
natives,  fearing  that  their  most  valued  rights  were  about  to  be 
invaded,  and  especially,  that  the  slave  trade,  on  which  they 
depended  for  all  their  gains  and  supplies,  was  about  to  be 
destroyed,  determined  forthwith  to  extirpate  the  infant  colony. 
Only  a  part  of  the  goods  stipulated  in  the  treaty  of  purchase 
had  been  paid,  and  they  now  refused  to  receive  the  remainder, 
and  insisted  on  returning  what  they  had  received.  To  this  the 
agent  would  not  consent,  and  to  accomplish  their  purpose  they 
had  recourse  to  a  stratagem.  They  invited  him  to  an  amicable 
conference,  and  as  soon  as  they  had  him  in  their  power  they 


176  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

made  him  a  prisoner,  and  detained  him,  until  he  consented  to 
take  back  the  articles  paid  for  the  land.  Then  they  insisted  on 
the  colonists  leaving  the  coast;  or,  at  least,  leaving  that  place. 
He  urged  the  difficulty  of  being  obliged  to  go,  when  they  had 
no  place  to  which  they  could  remove.  They  did,  therefore, 
so  far  relax  in  their  demands,  as  to  permit  them  to  remain  until 
they  could  make  a  purchase  elsewhere.  In  the  meantime  Dr. 
Ayres  made  an  appeal  to  King  Boatswain,  who  held  a  kind  of 
supremacy  among  the  kings,  and  who,  on  hearing  the  allega- 
tions on  both  sides,  decided  in  favour  of  the  colonists.  He  said, 
the  bargain  had  been  fair  on  both  sides,  and  that  he  saw  no 
grounds  for  rescinding  the  contract.  He  therefore  decided,  that 
the  kings  who  sold  the  land,  should  receive  the  stipulated  goods, 
and  give  up  all  claim  to  the  territory  purchased  for  the  colony. 
With  this  judgment,  though  reluctantly,  they  were  obliged  to 
comply,  for  King  Boatswain  threatened  them  with  vengeance 
if  they  refused  to  comply.  But  no  sooner  had  Boatswain 
departed  to  his  own  territory,  than  they  again  resolved  to  de- 
stroy the  colony.  The  colonists  being  informed  of  their  inten- 
tion, determined  to  make  the  best  preparation  they  could  for 
resistance. 

The  Dey  tribe,  which  occupies  this  region,  were  thrown  into 
a  state  of  fervid  excitement.  They  saw  that  a  dangerous 
enemy  had  been  introduced  into  their  bosom.  Old  King  Peter, 
the  patriarch  of  the  nation,  was  capitally  impeached  and  brought 
to  trial,  on  a  charge  of  having  betrayed  the  interests  of  his 
people,  and  sold  the  country  to  strangers.  The  accusation  was 
substantiated,  and  for  a  while  it  was  doubtful  whether  he  would 
not  be  subjected  to  capital  punishment  for  his  treason. 

Another  unfortunate  accident  occurred.  An  English  sailor, 
by  discharging  a  cannon  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  store- 
house, set  the  building  on  fire,  and  most  of  the  provisions  and 
clothing  of  the  colonists  were  burnt,  with  the  house. 

Dr.  Ayres  found  it  necessary  to  have  another  meeting  of  the 
kings.  In  this  convention  he  gave  a  concise  history  of  his  pro- 
ceedings since  his  arrival  in  Africa,  and  maintained  with  spirit 
and  boldness  his  right  to  the  purchased  territory.  After  some 
opposition  and  delay,  the  whole  assembly,  amounting  to  seven- 
teen kings,  and  thirty-four  half-kings,  assented  to  the  settlement 
of  the  colonists  ;  and  on  the  25th  of  April,  1822,  the  Jimerican 
flag  tuas  hoisted  on  Cape  Mesurado. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  177 

Dr.  Ayres  now  resolved  on  a  visit  to  the  United  States,  to 
make  known  the  situation,  and  urgent  wants  of  the  colony,  and 
to  obtain  supplies  for  its  relief.  Before  his  departure,  he  again 
visited  Sierra  Leone,  obtained  provisions  for  the  colony,  re- 
turned to  Mesurado,  appointed  one  of  the  most  respectable 
colonists  to  act  as  superintendent  during  his  absence ;  and  after 
witnessing  with  high  satisfaction,  the  peace  and  comparative 
prosperity  of  the  colony,  he  took  passage  for  the  United  States 
on  the  4th  of  June,  1S22. 

Among  the  colonists  who  distinguished  themselves  for  their 
good  conduct,  fortitude,  and  active  cooperation  with  the  agent, 
were  Elijah  Johnston,  Joseph  Blake,  Lot  Carey,  and  Richard 
Sampson. 


CHAPTER  XIL 

AGENCY  OF  MR.  JEHUDI  ASHMUN. 

Whether  it  was  a  prudent  step  for  Dr.  Ayres,  the  agent,  to 
leave  the  colony  in  their  present  exposed  and  unsettled  state, 
is  a  question  which  we  shall  not  discuss;  as  all  the  circum- 
stances of  the  case  cannot  be  now  fully  understood.  No  doubt, 
in  taking  this  step,  he  believed  that  the  necessities  of  the  colony 
iH'gently  required,  that  he  should  visit  the  United  States  with- 
out delay;  but  it  is  equally  certain  that  he  left  the  colony  at  a 
very  critical  time,  and  in  a  very  perilous  condition.  Indeed 
had  it  not  been  for  the  unexpected  and  providential  arrival  of 
]Mr.  J.  Ashmun,  with  a  recruit  of  emigrants  for  the  colony,  all 
would,  as  far  as  human  foresight  goes,  have  been  lost,  and  the 
little  colony  utterly  extirpated. 

The  Africans  released  from  slavery  in  Georgia,  being  now 
ready  to  return,  the  Board  of  managers  were  anxious  to  find  a 
suitable  person  to  take  charge  of  them,  and  some  other  emi- 
grants who  were  desirous  of  going  to  Africa.  The  government 
were  to  pay  the  expenses  of  those  who  had  been  brought  into 
this  country,  and  the  brig  Strong  was  chartered  for  their  ac- 
commodation. 


178  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Jnst  at  this  time  Mr.  J.  Ashmun — a  name  which  will  ever 
be  prominent  in  the  history  of  African  colonization — offered  his 
services,  and  was  appointed  to  superintend  the  expedition. 
As  the  brig  was  to  sail  from  Baltimore,  he  spent  about  a  month 
in  that  city,  soliciting  donations  and  purchasing  supplies.  On 
the  15th  of  May,  1823,  all  the  passengers  were  assembled  on 
board.  And  on  the  20th,  the  vessel  left  Baltimore.  Mrs.  Ash- 
mun accompanied  her  husband,  as  it  was  uncertain  liow  long 
he  might  be  detained  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  for  he  was  re- 
quested by  the  Board,  to  take  charge  of  the  colony,  if  the  other 
agents  should  not  be  there.  The  Strong  was  found  to  be  a  dull 
sailer,  and  experiencing  much  rough  weather,  she  was  eighty- 
one  days  on  the  passage. 

On  the  9th  of  August,  1822,  Mr.  Ashmun  stood  on  Cape 
Mesurado;  and  having  ascertained  that  both  agents  had  left 
the  country,  he  assumed,  agreeably  to  his  pledge  to  the  Board, 
the  direction  as  principal  agent  of  the  affairs  of  the  colony.  He 
found  a  respectable  emigrant  in  charge  of  the  public  property, 
and  acting  as  agent  during  Dr.  Ayres's  absence;  but  he  found 
no  books  or  documents,  defining  the  limits  of  the  purchased 
territory,  explaining  the  state  of  the  negotiations  with  the  na- 
tives, or  throwing  light  on  the  duties  of  the  agency. 

"Cape  Mesurado,  elevated  from  seventy-five  to  eighty  feet 
above  the  sea,  forms  the  abrupt  termination  of  a  narrow 
tongue  of  land,  in  length  thirty-six  miles,  and  from  one  and  a, 
half  to  the  three  miles  in  breadth;  bounded  on  the  south-west  by 
the  ocean,  and  on  the  north-east  by  the  rivers  Mesurado  and 
Junk,  running  in  nearly  opposite  directions;  their  sources, how- 
ever, are  very  near  together,  but  their  course  is  crooked.  The 
isthmus  between  them  constitutes  the  junction  of  the  Mesura- 
do peninsula  to  the  mainland.  The  site  chosen  for  the  original 
settlement,  (Monrovia,)  is  two  miles  from  the  point  of  the  Cape, 
on  the  ridge,  approaching  here  to  within  one  hundred  and  fifty 
yards  of  the  river,  to  which  there  is  a  steep  descent.  This  site, 
and  a  large  portion  of  the  peninsula,  was,  when  ceded  to  the 
society,  covered  with  a  lofty  and  dense  forest,  entangled  with 
vines  and  brushwood,  the  haunts  of  savage  beasts,  and  through 
which  the  barbarians  were  accustomed  to  thread  their  narrow 
and  winding  paths  to  the  coast."* 

*  Ashmun's  Life  by  Gurley.' 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  179 

When  Mr.  Ashmiin  arrived,  a  small  spot  had  been  cleared, 
about  thu'ty  houses  constructed  in  the  native  style,  with  a  store- 
house entirely  too  small  to  receive  any  supplies,  in  addition  to 
those  it  then  contained.  The  rainy  season  was  at  its  height, 
the  public  property  had  been  chieiiy  consumed  by  fire.  Some 
of  the  settlers,  already  on  the  ground,  were  but  imperfectly 
sheltered;  and  for  those  just  arrived,  no  preparation  had  been 
made.  The  settlement  had  no  adequate  means  of  defence, 
while  the  chiefs  of  the  country  no  longer  concealed  their  hostile 
designs.  The  whole  population,  including  those  who  had 
arrived  in  the  Strong,  did  not  exceed  one  hundred  and  thirty; 
of  whom,  thirty-five  only  were  capable  of  bearing  arms. 

Mr.  Ashmun,  after  taking  a  comprehensive  view  of  the  con- 
dition of  the  colony,  began  to  adopt  such  measures  as  were 
practicable  for  the  safety  and  subsistence  of  the  people.  A 
colonial  journal  was  opened  with  the  design  of  recording  all 
important  transactions  and  events.  Separate  inventories  were 
entered  in  a  book  of  the  public  stores,  found  in  the  colony,  and 
of  those  sent  in  the  Strong;  both  by  the  United  States  and  the 
society.  Orders  were  given  for  the  erection  of  a  storehouse; 
for  completing  a  building,  just  commenced,  for  the  recaptured 
Africans;  and  for  the  best  preparation  that  could  be  made  for 
the  other  emigrants,  who  came  out  in  the  Strong,  in  the  houses 
already  occupied. 

Soon  after  her  arrival,  the  Strong  was  forced  from  lier  moor- 
ings, with  the  loss  of  one  of  her  anchors;  and  the  vessel  for 
some  time,  was  in  the  most  imminent  hazard  of  being  driven 
ashore;  and  when  she  was  got  out  of  the  bay,  formed  by  Cape 
Mesurado  and  Cape  Mount,  and  was  again  brought  to  a  fixed 
position,  it  was  at  the  distance  of  five  miles  from  the  settle- 
ment. During  this  disagreeable  state  of  things,  the  agent  and 
all  the  emigrants  were  on  board.  The  people,  however,  were 
safely  landed  on  the  13th  and  14th  of  August;  but  it  was  four 
weeks  before  the  agent  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  all  the 
stores  safely  landed. 

Efforts  were  made,  without  delay,  to  ascertain,  as  far  as  this 
was  practicable,  the  dispositions  of  the  principal  chiefs  of  the 
country;  and  by  oifers  of  an  honest  and  friendly  trade,  and 
by  proposals  to  instruct  their  sons,  to  bind  them  in  the  most 
amicable  relations  to  the  colony.  He  entered  into  correspond- 
ence with  King  Peter,  and  King  Bristol,  who  both  expressed  a 


180  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

kind  feeling  towards  the  colony,  and  a  willingness  to  trade 
with  the  people  of  the  settlement.  But  under  these  plausible 
and  friendly  professions,  there  was  lurking  in  the  minds  of 
many  of  the  chiefs  a  spirit  of  determined  hostility.  The  agent's 
principal  hope  of  safety  consisted  in  the  difficulty  of  so  many 
independent  chiefs  being  able  to  unite,  or  to  agree  on  any  plan 
of  hostile  operation. 

The  recaptured  Africans  were  placed  by  JMr.  Ashmun  in  a 
community  by  themselves,  under  a  judicious  superintendent, 
who  was  directed  to  regulate  their  hours,  lead  their  family  de- 
votion, and  instruct  them  in  reading,  writing,  arithmetic,  and 
the  principles  of  the  Christian  religion.  They  were  also  to  be 
taught  agriculture,  and  trained  up  in  habits  of  cleanliness  and 
industry.  Orders  were  also  given  for  a  comfortable  house  to 
be  erected  for  the  agent,  and  that  lots  should  be  assigned  to 
the  new  comers.  It  was  also  determined  by  the  agent,  that 
several  natives,  mostly  sons  of  head-men,  should  be  received 
into  the  colony  as  labourers,  and  for  compensation,  be  instruct- 
ed in  the  English  language ;  that  as  soon  as  practicable,  the 
grounds  should  be  cleared,  and  planted  with  the  most  useful 
vegetables.  But  nothing  appeared  to  him  more  important, 
than  to  give  attention  to  works  of  defence.  Still  he  had  no 
apprehension  of  the  imminent  peril  to  which  the  colony,  in  a 
short  time,  would  be  exposed. 

But  as  Mr.  Ashmun  himself  has  written  the  history  of  the 
interesting  and  eventful  period,  which  now  follows,  it  is  but 
just  that  he  be  permitted  to  speak  in  his  own  language. 

"So  early  as  the  ISth  of  August,  the  present  martello  tower 
was  planned;  a  company  of  labourers,  employed  by  the  agent 
in  clearing  the  ground  on  which  it  stands,  and  a  particular 
survey  taken  of  the  military  strength  and  means  of  the  settlers. 
Of  the  native  Americans,  twenty-seven,  when  not  sick,  were 
able  to  bear  arms ;  but  they  were  wholly  untrained  to  their 
use  ;  and  capable  in  their  present  undisciplined  state  of  making 
but  a  very  feeble  defence  indeed.  Tliere  were  forty  muskets 
in  store,  which,  with  repairing,  were  capable  of  being  rendered 
serviceable.  Of  five  iron  guns  and  one  brass  attached  to  the 
settlement,  the  last  only  was  fit  for  service,  and  four  of  the 
former  required  carriages.  Several  of  these  were  nearly  buried 
in  the  mud,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  Not  a  yard  of 
abatis,  or  other  fence-work,  had  been  constructed.     There  was 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  181 

no  fixed  ammunition,  nor,  without  great  difficulty  and  delay, 
was  it  possible  to  load  the  only  gun  which  was  provided  with 
a  sufficient  carriage. 

''It  was  soon  perceived  that  the  means, as  well  as  an  organ- 
ized system  of  defence,  were  to  be  originated,  without  either 
the  materials  or  the  artificers  usually  considered  necessary  for 
such  purposes.  In  the  organization  of  the  men,  thirteen  Afri- 
can youths  attached  to  the  United  States'  Agency,  most  of 
whom  had  never  loaded  a  musket,  were  enrolled  in  the  Lieu- 
tenant's corps,  and  daily  exercised  in  the  use  of  arms.  The 
guns  were,  one  after  another,  with  infinite  labour,  transported 
over  the  river,  conveyed  to  the  height  of  the  peninsula,  and 
mounted  on  rough  truck  carriages,  which  in  the  event  proved 
to  answer  a  very  good  purpose.  A  master  of  ordnance  was 
appointed,  who,  with  his  assistants,  repaired  the  small  arms — 
made  up  a  quantity  of  fixed  ammunition,  and  otherwise  aided 
in  arranging  the  details  of  the  service. 

"  The  little  town  was  closely  environed,  except  on  the  side 
of  the  river,  with  the  heavy  forest  in  the  bosom  of  which  it 
was  situated — thus  giving  to  a  savage  enemy  an  important 
advantage,  of  which  it  became  absolutely  necessary  to  deprive 
him,  by  enlarging  to  the  utmost,  Ihe  cleared  space  about  the 
buildings.  This  labour  was  immediately  undertaken,  and  car- 
ried on  without  any  other  intermission,  than  that  caused  by 
sickness  of  the  people,  and  the  interruption  of  other  duties 
equally  connected  with  the  safety  of  the  place.  But  the  rains 
were  immoderate  and  nearly  constant. 

"  In  addition  to  these  fatiguing  labours,  was  that  of  main- 
taining the  nightly  watch;  which,  from  the  number  of  senti- 
nels necessary  for  the  common  safety,  shortly  became  more 
exhausting  than  all  the  other  burdens  of  the  people.  No  less 
than  twenty  individuals  were  every  night  detailed  for  this 
duty,  after  the  31st  of  August."* 

*  "  On  this  day,  the  strength  of  the  colony  was  thus  organized,  and  the  accom- 
panying orders  issued : 

1.  The  settlement  is  under  military  law. 

2.  E.  Johnson  is  Commissary  of  Stores. 

3.  R.  Sampson  is  Commissary  of  Ordnance. 

4.  L,  Carey,  Health  Officer  and  Government  Inspector. 

5.  F.  James,  Captain  of  brass  mounted  field-piece ;  and  has  assigned  to  his 
command,  R.  Newport,  M.  S.  Draper,  William  Meade,  and  J.  Adams. 

16 


182  HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

«  On  the  25th  of  August,  Mr.  Ashmun  experienced  the  first 
attack  of  fever;  and  on  the  next  day  his  wife  was  seized.  Sick- 
ness also  prevailed  among  the  recent  emigrants;  so  that  on  the 
10th  of  September,  only  two,  of  the  whole  number,  remained  in 
health.  For  four  weeks  the  agent  struggled  with  his  disease. 
In  the  morning,  after  a  night  of  delirium  and  suffering,  he 
would  be  for  hours  employed  in  laying  ofl'  and  directing  the 
execution  of  the  public  works. 

"  About  the  first  of  September,  the  intercourse  between  the 
settlement  and  the  people  of  the  country,  had  nearly  ceased, 
and  the  native  youths  who  had  been  residing  in  the  colony, 
were  daily  deserting  in  consequence  of  recent  intelligence  con- 
veyed to  them  by  their  friends. 

"  The  plan  of  defence  adopted  was  to  station  five  heavy 
guns  at  the  different  angles  of  a  triangle  which  should  circum- 
scribe the  whole  settlement — each  of  the  angles  resting  on  a 
•point  of  ground  sufficiently  commanding  to  enfilade  two  sides 
of  the  triangle,  and  sweep  a  considerable  extent  of  ground 
beyond  the  lines.  The  guns  at  these  stations  were  to  be 
covered  by  musket-proof  triangular  stockades,  of  which  any 
two  should  be  sufficient  to  contain  all  the  settlers  in  their 
wings.  The  brass  piece  and  two  swivels  mounted  on  travel- 
ling carriages,  were  stationed  in  the  centre,  ready  to  support 

6.  A.  James,  Captain  of  Long  18;  and  under  his  command,  J.  Benson,  E. 
Smith,  William  Hollinger,  D.  Hawkins,  John  and  Thomas  Spencer. 

7.  J.  Shaw,  Captain  of  the  Southern  Picket  Station,  mounting  two  iron  guns. 
To'his  command  are  attached  S.  Campbell,  E.  Jackson,  J.  Lawrence,  L.  Crook, 
and  George  Washington. 

8.  D.  George,  Captain  of  Eastern  Picket  Station,  mounting  two  iron  guns; 
attached  are  A.  Edmondson,  Joseph  Gardiner,  Josh.  Webster,  and  J.  Carey. 

9.  C.  Brander,  Captain  of  a  Carriage  mounting  two  swivels,  to  act  in  concert 
with  the  brass  piece,  and  move  from  station  to  station,  as  the  occasion  may  re- 
quire ;  attached  are  T.  Tines,  and  L.  Butler. 

10.  Every  man  is  to  have  his  musket  and  ammunition  with  him  even  when  at 
the  large  guns. 

11.  Every  officer  is  responsible  for  the  conduct  of  the  men  placed  under  him, 
who  are  to  obey  him  at  their  peril. 

12.  The  guns  are  all  to  be  got  ready  for  action  immediately — and  every  effec- 
tive man  is  to  be  employed  on  the  Pickets. 

13.  Five  stations  to  be  occupied  by  guards  at  night,  till  other  orders  shall  be 
given. 

14.  No  useless  firing  permitted. 

15.  In  case  of  an  alarm,  every  man  is  to  repair  instantly  to  his  post  and  do  his 
duty." 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  183 

the  post  which  might  be  exposed  to  the  heaviest  attack.  After 
completing  these  detached  works,  it  was  the  intention  of  the 
agent,  had  the  enemy  allowed  the  time,  to  join  all  together  by 
a  paling  to  be  carried  quite  around  the  settlement;  and  in  the 
event  of  a  yet  longer  respite,  to  carry  on,  as  rapidly  as  possible, 
mider  the  protection  of  the  nearest  fortified  point,  the  construc- 
tion of  the  martello  tower;  which,  as  soon  as  completed, 
would  nearly  supersede  all  the  other  works ;  and  by  presenting 
an  impregnable  barrier  to  the  success  of  any  native  force,  pro- 
bably become  the  instrument  of  a  general  and  permanent  paci- 
fication. Connected  with  these  measures  of  safety,  was  the 
extension  to  the  utmost,  of  the  cleared  space  about  the  settle- 
ment, still  leaving  the  trees  and  brushwood,  after  being  sepa- 
rated from  their  trunks,  to  spread  the  ground  with  a  tangled 
hedge,  through  which  nothing  should  be  able  to  make  its  way, 
except  the  shot  from  the  batteries. 

"  This  plan  was  fully  communicated  to  the  most  intelligent 
of  the  people ;  which,  in  the  event  of  the  disability  or  death  of 
the  agent,  they  might,  it  was  hoped,  so  far  carry  into  effect  as 
to  ensure  the  preservation  of  the  settlement." 

"  On  the  sixth  of  September,  the  agent  convened  the  people, 
read  to  them  the  instructions  of  the  Board,  and  published  such 
laws,  by-laws  and  regulations  as  he  deemed  essential  to  the 
public  welfare.  '  Taken  together,'  he  remarks, '  they  comprise 
all  the  special  written  laws  which  exist  in  the  settlement.'  In 
addition  to  sundry  explanations  touching  the  particular  laws, 
he  offered  on  the  occasion  several  remarks,  in  substance,  as 
follows : 

" '  That  the  government  of  the  colony  ought  to  be  a  govern- 
ment of  reason,  rehgion,  and  law,  and  not  that  of  a  master 
over  his  refractory  servants;  that  the  agent  should  comply  with 
the  instructions  of  the  society,  consult  the  interest  of  the  colony, 
and  abide  strictly  by  the  sense  of  the  constitution  as  far  as  he 
understood  them  in  all  the  regulations  he  should  establish; 
that  he  intended  to  represent  the  society  as  if  present;  that  no 
more  nor  more  rigid  laws  should  be  passed  than  were  judged 
necessary;  and  that  laws  once  passed,  it  need  not  be  said,  must 
be  obeyed,  or  the  penalty  suffered;  that  he  sincerely,  devoted 
himself,  while  Divine  Providence  should  continue  him  in  his 
present  situation,  to  the  welfare  of  the  settlement.  And  his 
first  wish  was  to  see  it  prosperous.     He  sympathized  with  not 


184  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

a  few  present,  who  had  encountered  and  sustained  dangers  and 
hardships  of  a  trying  nature.  It  was  the  wish  of  the  society, 
it  was  his  wish  to  see  them  as  soon  as  possible,  rewarded  for 
all  their  sufferings,  by  a  home  abounding  with  peace  and  all 
the  comforts  of  this  life,  and  the  best  means  of  preparing  for 
one  infinitely  better.  He  had  the  satisfaction  to  regard  himself 
as  the  personal  friend  of  many  present,  and  hoped  these  feel- 
ings would  be  interrupted  by  no  fault  or  indiscretion  on  either 
part.' 

"On  the  12th  of  September,  the  agent  wrote  the  following 
sentences  in  the  Colonial  Journal. 

" '  Rain  falls  in  floods.  The  sick  all  seem  better  except  Mrs. 
Ashmun.  She  is  speechless,  and  almost  without  the  use  of  her 
reason.  There  is  no  rational  hope  of  her  recovery.  All  reme- 
dies on  which  her  husband  dares  to  venture,  have  been  tried 
in  vain.  He  now  with  a  burdened  heart,  resigns  her  up  to  her 
God,  and  scarcely  able  to  support  himself,  painfully  watches 
over  what  he  considers  the  last  hours  of  her  mortal  existence. 
When  last  possessed  of  the  power  of  reflection,  she  declared 
herself  happy  in  her  God — and  to  possess  not  a  wish  which 
was  not  absorbed  in  His  holy  will.  The  reading  of  the  Scrip- 
tures seemed  perceptibly  to  feed  and  revive  her  faith  in  the 
precious  Redeemer.  She  seemed  to  have  intercourse  with  God 
in  prayer.  Her  husband  may  follow  her  in  a  few  days,  or 
weeks  at  most;  and  he  here  ventures  to  record  it  as  the  first 
wish  of  his  heart,  that  the  will  of  the  Lord  may  be  done.' 

"  Mr.  Ashmun  strove  manfully  against  the  power  of  his  dis- 
ease, and  the  tide  of  distressing  thoughts  which  rushed  upon 
him  as  he  beheld  his  wife,  '  a  female  of  most  delicate  constitu- 
tion, lying  under  the  influence  of  a  mortal  fever,  in  the  corner 
of  a  miserable  hut,  (to  ventilate  which  in  a  proper  manner  was 
impossible,)  on  a  couch  literally  dripping  whh  water,  which  a 
roof  of  thatch  was  unable  to  exclude — circumstances  rendering 
recovery  impossible,  and  in  which  even  the  dying  struggle 
almost  brought  relief  to  the  agonized  feelings  of  surviving 
friendship.'*  She  expired  on  Sunday  the  15th  of  September. 
*  Her  life,'  observes  he  who  knew  her  best, '  had  been  that  of 
uncommon  devotion  and  self-denial,  inspired  by  a  vigorous  and 
practical  faith  in  the  Divine  Saviour  of  the  world;  and  her  end, 

*  Mr.  Ashmun's  Letter  to  Captain  Spence. 


HISTORY    or    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  185 

according  to  his  promise,  was  ineffable  peace.'  To  this,  we 
add,  that  in  the  recollections  of  her  friends,  are  the  impressions 
still  vivid  of  her  zeal  and  charity  in  behalf  of  the  neglected  and 
ignorant  of  this,  and  the  wretched  heathens  of  other  lands;  and 
how,  from  early  youth,  it  had  been  her  chief  desire,  that  it 
might  be  her  work  and  honour,  to  guide  the  untaught  children 
of  some  uncivilized  regions  to  the  God  of  her  hope  and  sal- 
vation. 

"  It  was  a  kind  dispensation  of  Providence,  that  the  agent 
was  spared  to  make  the  most  important  arrangements  for  the 
defence  of  the  settlement,  before  the  hand  of  disease  rendered 
him  entirely  incapable  of  exertion.  From  the  middle  of  Sep- 
tember, mitil  the  first  week  of  November,  he  remained  in  an 
extremely  low  and  dangerous  state,  nearly  incapable  of  motion, 
and  conscious  of  little  but  suffering.  As  soon  as  the  force  of 
his  disease  was  somewhat  abated,  he  discovered  that  much  had 
been  effected  by  the  industry  of  the  people;  that  on  the  whole 
southern  quarter  of  the  settlement,  the  trees  had  been  cleared 
away,  and  so  thrown  together,  as  in  a  good  measure  to  ob- 
struct the  approach  of  an  enemy.  Their  routine  of  daily 
labour  and  nightly  watching,  however,  had  been  such  as  to 
forbid  their  completing  the  preparations;  the  western  station 
was  still  uncovered;  and  the  long  gun,  intended  for  its  chief 
defence,  unmounted.  On  the  7th  of  November,  the  agent  was 
able  to  'recommence  entries  in  the  Journal,  and  thereafter  daily 
to  take  an  increasing  share  in  the  operations  of  the  people.' 

"  In  the  mean  time,  the  kings  and  head-men  of  the  country 
had  held  secret  meetings  to  discuss  and  decide  upon  measures 
of  hostility  to  the  colony.  By  the  diligence  and  fidelity  of  an 
individual  whose  name  has  not  been  divulged,  the  agent  '  was 
informed  of  the  sentiments  of  each,  and  often  furnished  with 
the  very  arguments  used  in  their  debates.'  Some  diversity  of 
opinion  existed  in  the  war-council.  Two  or  three  of  the  chiefs 
were  opposed  to  the  war,  but  a  large  majority,  not  fewer  than 
nine  or  ten,  resolved  to  unite  their  forces  and  make  an  early 
attack  upon  the  settlement.  The  agent,  through  one  of  their 
number  who  was  undecided  on  his  course,  informed  them  'that 
he  was  perfectly  apprised  of  their  hostile  deliberations,  not- 
withstanding their  pains  to  conceal  them;  and  that  if  they  pro- 
ceeded to  bring  war  upon  the  Americans,  without  even  asking 
16* 


186  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

to  settle  their  differences  in  a  friendly  manner,  they  would 
dearly  learn  what  it  was  to  fight  white  men.'* 

"  On  the  7th  of  November,"  says  Mr,  Ashmun,  "  intelligence 
was  received  at  the  Cape  that  the  last  measures  had  been  taken 
preparatory  to  an  assault  on  the  settlement,  which  was  ordered 
within  four  days.  The  plan  of  attack  being  left  to  the  head 
warriors,  whose  trade  it  is  to  concert  and  conduct  it,  was  not 
to  be  learnt. 

"  The  agent  was  able,  with  assistance,  to  inspect  the  works, 
and  review  the  little  force  the  same  evening.  He  stated  to 
the  people  the  purport  of  the  intelligence  just  received;  that 
'  war  was  now  inevitable;  and  the  preservation  of  their  pro- 
perty, their  settlement,  their  families,  and  their  lives,  depended 
under  God,  wholly  upon  their  own  firmness  and  good  conduct; 
that  a  most  important  point  in  the  defence  of  the  place,  was  to 
secure  a  perfect  uniformity  of  action,  which  should  assure  to 
every  post  and  individual  the  firm  support  of  every  other.  To 
this  end,  they  must  as  punctiliously  obey  their  officers  as  if  their 
whole  duty  were  centered,  as  it  probably  was,  in  that  one  point; 
and  every  man  as  faithfully  exert  himself,  as  if  the  whole  de- 
fence depended  on  his  single  efforts.  A  coward,  it  was  hoped, 
did  not  disgrace  their  ranks;  and  as  the  <;ause  was  emphatically 
that  of  God  and  their  country,  they  might  confidently  expect 
his  blessing  and  success  to  attend  the  faithful  discharge  of  their 
duty.' — Every  thing  was  then  disposed  in  order  of  action,  and 
the  men  marched  to  their  posts.  They  lay  on  their  arms,  with 
matches  lighted,  through  the  night. 

"  On  the  8th  the  agent,  by  an  effort  which  entirely  exhausted 
his  strength,  proceeded  to  examine  the  obstruction  thrown  in 
the  way  of  the  avenues  to  the  settlement;  and  perceived  to 
his  extreme  mortification,  that  the  west  quarter  was  still  capa- 
ble of  being  approached  by  a  narrow  path-way,  without  diffi- 
culty; and  that  the  utmost  exertions  of  the  workmen  had 
accomplished  only  the  mounting  of  the  revolving  nine  pounder 
at  the  post;  by  which  the  path  was  enfiladed;  but  that  the 
platform  was  still  left  entirely  exposed.  The  eastern  quarter 
was  about  equally  opened  to  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  but 

*  A  phrase  by  which  civilized  people  of  all  colours  and  nations,  are  distin- 
guished in  the  dialect  of  the  coast. 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  187 

the  station  was  protected  by  a  stockade,  and  a  steep  ledge  of 
rocks  made  the  access  difficult. 

"  Picket-guards  of  four  men  each  were  detailed,  to  be  posted 
one  hundred  yards  in  advance  of  each  of  the  stations,  through 
the  night.  No  man  was  allowed  to  sleep  before  the  following 
day,  at  sun-rise;  and  patrols  of  native  Africans  were  dispersed 
through  the  woods  in  every  direction.  An  order  was  given  to 
families  occupying  the  most  exposed  houses,  to  sleep  in  such 
as  were  more  centrally  situated.* 

"  Throughout  the  9th,  the  order  established  on  the  preceding 
day  continued;  and  some  progress  was  made  in  the  labour  of 
falling  trees,  and  otherwise  obstructing  every  practicable  ac- 
cess to  the  settlement, 

"  Sunday,  November  lOlh.  The  morning  was  devoted,  as 
usual,  to  the  refreshment  of  the  settlers,  none  of  whom  had 
slept  for  the  twenty-four  hours  preceding.  At  1  P.  M.  all  were 
remanded  to  their  fatigue  and  other  duties,  till  sun-set;  when 
the  order  appointed  for  the  preceding  night  was  resumed.  The 
women  and  children  attended  divine  service. 

"  Intelligence  had  reached  the  agent  early  in  the  day,  that 
the  hostile  forces  had  made  a  movement,  and  were  crossing  the 
Mesurado  river  a  few  miles  above  the  settlement;  but  the 
patrols  made  no  discovery  through  the  day.  At  sun-set,  how- 
ever, the  enemy  again  put  themselves  in  motion,  and  at  an 
early  hour  of  the  night,  had  assembled,  as  was  afterwards 
learnt,  to  the  number  of  six  to  nine  hundred  men,  on  the 
peninsula,  where,  at  the  distance  of  less  than  half  a  mile  to  the 
westward  of  the  settlement,  they  encamped  till  near  morning. 
Their  camp,  afterwards  examined,  extended  half  a  mile  in 
length,  and  induces  a  strong  probability  that  the  number  of 
warriors  assembled  on  this  occasion,  has  been  altogether  under- 
rated,! 

"  The  most  wakeful  vigilance  on  the  part  of  the  settlers,  was 

*  In  the  multitude  of  cares  devolving  on  the  agent,  who  dictated  most  of  his 
instructions  from  his  bed,  the  measures  necessary  to  secure  the  proper  observance 
of  this  order  were  unhappily  omitted;  and  the  rashness  of  the  misguided  indi- 
viduals who  disobeyed  it,  met  with  a  signal  punishment. 

t  The  number  given  above,  is  deduced  from  the  discordant  accounts  given  by 
the  kings  of  the  country,  after  the  termination  of  hostilities;  some  of  whom  rated 
it  much  liigher;  but  all  were  ignorant  of  the  true  number,  and  all  were  interested 
to  state  it  as  low  as  would  obtain  credit. 


188  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

kept  up  through  the  night. — But,  with  a  fatality  which  was 
quite  of  a  piece  with  all  the  hindrances  tliat  had  impeded  the 
progress  of  the  defences  on  the  western  quarter,  the  picket- 
guard  in  advance  of  that  post,  ventured  on  a  violation  of  their 
orders,  by  leaving  their  station  at  the  first  dawn  of  day;  at 
which  it  was  their  duty  to  remain  till  sun-rise.     The  native 
force  was  already  in  motion,  and  followed  directly  in  the  rear 
of  the  picket-guard.     The  latter  had  just  rejoined  their  gun, 
about  which  ten  men  were  now  assembled ;  when  the  enemy 
suddenly  presented  a  front  of  ten  yards  in  width,  at  sixty  distant, 
delivered  their  fire,  and  rushed  forward  with  their  spears  to  seize 
the  post.    Several  men  were  killed  and  disabled  by  the  first  fire, 
and  the  remainder  driven  from  their  gun  without  discharging  it. 
These,  retiring  upon  the  centre,  threw  the  reserve  there  stationed 
into  momentary  confusion;  and  had  the  enemy  at  this  instant 
pressed  their  advantage,  it   is  hardly  conceivable  that   they 
should  have  failed  of  entire  success.     Their  avidity  for  plunder 
was  their  defeat.     Four  houses  in  that  outskirt  of  the  settle- 
ment, had  fallen  into   their   hands.     Every  man  on   whose 
savage  rapacity  so  resistless  a  temptation  happened  to  operate, 
rushed  impetuously  upon  the  pillage  thus  thrown  in  his  way. 
The  movement  of  the  main  body  was  disordered  and  impeded; 
and  an  opportunity  afforded  the  agent,  assisted  principally  by 
the  Rev.  Lot  Gary,  to  rally  the  broken  force  of  the  settlers.    The 
two  central  guns,  with  a  part  of  their  own  men,  and  several 
who  had  been  driven  from  the  western  station,  were,  with 
a  little   exertion,  brought    back  into   action,  and  formed  in 
the  line  of  two  slight  buildings,  thirty  yards  in  advance  of  the 
enemy. 

"  The  second  discharge  of  a  brass  field-piece,  double-shotted 
with  ball  and  grape,  brought  the  whole  body  of  the  enemy  to 
a  stand.  That  gun  was  well  served,  and  appeared  to  do  great 
execution.  The  havoc  would  have  been  greater,  had  not  the 
fire,  from  motives  of  humanity,  been  so  directed  as  to  clear  the 
dwellings  about  which  the  enemy's  force  was  gathered  in 
heavy  masses.  These  houses  were  known  at  that  moment  to 
contain  more  than  twelve  helpless  women  and  children. 

"  The  eastern  and  southern  posts,  were,  from  their  situation, 
precluded  from  rendering  any  active  assistance  on  the  occasion ; 
but  the  officers  and  men  attached  to  them,  deserve  the  highest 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  189 

praise,  of  doing  their  duty  by  maintaining  their  stations,  and 
thus  protecting  the  flank  and  rear  of  the  few  whose  lot  it  was 
to  be  brought  to  action. 

"  A  few  musketeers,  with  E.  Johnson  at  their  head,  by  pass- 
ing round  upon  the  enemy's  flank,  served  to  increase  the  con- 
sternation which  was  beginning  to  pervade  their  imwieldy 
body.  In  about  twenty  minutes  after  the  settlers  had  taken 
their  stand,  the  front  of  the  enemy  began  to  recoil.  But  the 
numerous  obstructions  in  their  rear,  the  entire  absence  of  dis- 
cipline, and  the  extreme  difficulty  of  giving  a  reversed  mo- 
tion to  so  large  a  body,  a  small  part  only  of  which  was  directly 
exposed  to  danger,  and  the  delay  occasioned  by  the  practice  of 
carrying  off"  all  their  dead  and  wounded,  rendered  a  retreat  for 
some  minutes  longer,  impossible.  The  very  violence  employed 
by  those  in  the  front,  in  their  impatience  to  hasten  it,  by  in- 
creasing the  confusion,  produced  an  effect  opposite  to  that  in- 
tended. The  Americans  perceiving  their  advantage,  now 
regained  possession  of  the  western  post,  and  instantly  brought 
the  long  nine  to  rake  the  whole  line  of  the  enemy.  Imagina- 
tion can  scarcely  figure  to  itself  a  throng  of  human  beings  in 
a  more  capital  state  of  exposure  to  the  destructive  power  of 
the  machinery  of  modern  warfare  !  Eight  hundred  men  were 
here  pressed  shoulder  to  shoulder,  in  so  compact  a  form  that  a 
child  might  easily  walk  upon  their  heads  from  one  end  of  the 
mass  to  the  other,  presenting  in  their  rear  a  breadth  of  rank 
equal  to  twenty  or  thirty  men,  and  all  exposed  to  a  gun  of  great 
power,  raised  on  a  platform,  at  only  thirty  to  sixty  yards  distance ! 
Every  shot  literally  spent  its  force  in  a  solid  mass  of  living  hu- 
man flesh !  Their  fire  suddenly  terminated.  A  savage  yell  was 
raised,  which  filled  the  dismal  forest  with  a  momentary  horror. 
It  gradually  died  away,  and  the  whole  host  disappeared.  At 
eight  o'clock  the  well  known  signal  of  their  dispersion  and 
return  to  their  homes,  was  sounded,  and  many  small  parties 
seen  at  a  distance,  directly  afterwards,  moving  off"  in  different 
directions.  One  large  canoe  employed  in  reconveying  a  party 
across  the  mouth  of  the  Mesurado,  venturing  within  the  range 
of  the  long  gun,  was  struck  by  a  shot,  and  several  men 
killed. 

"  On  the  part  of  the  settlers,  it  was  soon  discovered  that  con- 
siderable injury  had  been  sustained. 


190  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

"  One  woman*  who  had  imprudently  passed  the  night  in  the 
honse  first  beset  by  the  enemy,  had  received  thirteen  wounds, 
and  been  thrown  aside  as  dead.  Another,!  flying  from  her 
house  with  her  two  infant  children,  received  a  wound  in  the 
head,  from  a  cutlass,  and  was  robbed  of  both  her  babes;  but 
providentially  escaped.  A  young  married  woman,J  with  the 
mother  of  five  small  children,  finding  the  house  in  which  they 
slept  surrounded  by  savage  enemies,  barricadoed  the  door,  in 
the  vain  hope  of  safety.  It  was  forced.  Each  of  the  women 
then  seizing  an  axe,  held  the  irresolute  barbarians  in  check  for 
several  minutes  longer.  Having  discharged  their  guns,  they 
seemed  desirous  of  gaining  the  shelter  of  the  house  previous  to 
reloading. — At  length,  with  the  aid  of  their  spears,  and  by 
means  of  a  general  rush,  they  overcame  their  heroine  adversa- 
ries, and  instantly  stabbed  the  youngest  to  the  heart.  The 
mother,  instinctively  springing  for  her  suckling  babe,  which 
recoiled  through  fright,  and  was  left  behind,  rushed  through  a 
small  window  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  house,  and  providen- 
tially escaped  to  the  lines,  unhurt,  between  two  heavy  fires. 

"  The  agent  had  caused  a  return  to  be  made  at  9  o'clock, 
which  certainly  exhibited  a  melancholy  statement  of  the  loss 
sustained  by  the  little  company.  But  it  was  animating  to  per- 
ceive that  none,  not  even  the  wounded  in  their  severest  suffer- 
ings, were  dispirited,  or  insensible  of  the  signal  providence  to 
which  they  owed  the  successful  issue  of  their  struggle. 

"It  has  never  been  possible  to  ascertain  the  number  of  the 
enemy  killed  or  disabled  on  this  occasion.  The  only  entry 
made  on  the  subject  in  the  Colonial  Journal,  is  dated  Novem- 
ber 15th;  and  states, '  The  following  circumstances  prove  the 
carnage  to  have  been,  for  the  number  engaged,  great.  A  large 
canoe,  from  which  the  dead  and  wounded  could  be  seen  to  be 
taken,  on  its  arriving  at  the  opposite  side  of  the  Mesurado, 
and  which  might  easily  carry  twelve  men,  was  employed  up- 
wards of  two  hours  in  ferrying  them  over.  In  this  time,  not 
less  than  ten  or  twelve  trips  must  have  been  made.  It  is  also 
known,  that  many  of  the  wounded  were  conveyed  away  along 
the  south  beach,  on  mats ;  and  that  the  dead,  left  of  necessity 

*  Mrs.  Ann  Hawkins ;  who  after  long  and  incredible  sufferings  recovered,  and 
is  yet  living. 

t  Mrs.  Minty  Draper,  t  Mary  Tines. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  191 

in  the  woods,  where  many  fell,  are  carried  off  by  their  friends 
every  night.  But  two  days  ago,  twenty-seven  bodies  were 
discovered  by  a  party  of  friendly  Condoes  employed  by  the 
agent  for  the  purpose.  On  entering  the  wood,  the  offensive 
effluvium  from  putrid  bodies,  is  at  this  time  intolerable.' 

"  The  numerical  force  of  the  settlers  amounted  to  thirty-five 
persons,  including  six  native  youths  not  sixteen  years  of  age. 
Of  this  number,  about  one  half  were  engaged. 

"  At  nine  o'clock,  the  agent,  after  advising  with  the  most 
sensible  mechanics,  and  others  of  the  settlers,  issued  an  order 
for  contracting  the  lines,  by  excluding  about  one-fourth  part  of 
the  houses,  and  surrounding  the  remainder,  including  the  stores, 
with  a  musket-proof  stockade;  at  the  angles  of  which,  all  the 
guns  were  to  be  posted.  The  fence  palings  and  building  ma- 
terials of  individuals,  were  taken  for  this  palisade,  of  which, 
before  night,  more  than  eighty  yards  were  completed. 

"  This  work  was  resumed  early  the  next  day,  and  far  ad- 
vanced towards  a  completion,  before  it  was  judged  safe  to 
devote  an  hour  even  to  the  melancholy  duty  of  burying  the 
dead;  which  was  performed  on  the  evening  of  the  12th.  By 
contracting  the  lines,  the  number  of  men  necessary  to  guard 
them,  was  considerably  reduced;  and  thus  a  relief  for  the  peo- 
ple obtained,  which  their  sickly  and  feeble  state  absolutely 
called  for.  As  early  as  the  14th,  one-half  of  their  number  were 
released  from  camp  duty,  after  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning; 
but  every  man  remanded  to  his  post  through  the  night.  An 
additional  gun  was  mounted  and  posted  on  the  same  day :  on 
the  17th,  the  artillerists  were  newly  organized;  and  every  day 
witnessed  either  some  improvements  in  the  discipline  of  the 
men,  or  in  the  means  of  defence  and  annoyance. 

"  It  could  not  fail,  in  the  state  of  utter  abandonment  and  soli- 
tude to  which  this  little  company  was  reduced,  to  be  felt  as  an 
encouraging  circumstance,  that  Tom  Bassa,  a  prince  of  some 
distinction,  should,  at  this  moment,  have  sent  a  message  to 
assure  the  colony  of  his  friendship;  and  in  testimony  of  his 
sincerity,  to  have  forwarded  a  small  present  of  the  productions 
of  the  country. 

"The  enclosure  was  completed  on  Sunday  morning,  the 
17th;  when  about  one-half  of  the  people  had  the  privilege  of 
celebrating  divine  service — a  privilege  which  many  of  them 
very  highly  appreciated. 


192  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

"It  is  not  to  be  either  concealed,  or  made  the  subject  of  a  too 
severe  censure,  that  several  of  the  people  should  have  yielded, 
as  soon  as  leisure  was  afforded  for  reflection,  to  the  discourag- 
ing circumstances  of  their  situation.  There  were  not  at  this 
time,  exclusive  of  rice,  fifteen  days'  provisions  in  store.  Every 
individual  was  subjected  to  an  allowance  which  could  not  sus- 
tain animal  strength,  under  the  burden  of  so  many  severe  and 
extraordinary  labours.  Nothing  could  be  obtained  from  the 
country.  Seven  infant  children  were  in  the  hands  of  an  enemy 
infuriated  by  his  recent  losses.  The  native  forces  were  cer- 
tainly not  dispersed;  but  it  was  no  longer  in  the  agent's  power 
either  to  learn  the  intention  of  the  chiefs,  or  to  convey  any 
message  through  to  them.  Add  to  these  unpleasant  ingredients 
of  their  lot,  the  more  cruel  circumstance,  perhaps  of  all,  that 
the  ammunition  of  the  colony  was  insufficient  for  a  single 
hour's  defence  of  the  place  if  hotly  attacked,  and  an  apology 
may  surely  be  found  for  the  very  alarming  despondency  which 
was  invading  the  minds  of  several  of  the  settlers.  It  was  a 
happy  providence  that,  at  this  critical  moment,  the  agent's 
health  was  so  far  mended,  as  to  put  it  in  his  power  often  to 
attend  the  men,  at  their  posts  and  labours,  by  night  and  day — 
to  animate  them  by  every  method  which  his  invention  could 
suggest — and  when  these  failed,  to  draw  from  their  despair 
itself,  an  argument  for  a  faithful  discharge  of  their  duty.  In 
this  difficult  labour,  he  was  ably  and  successfully  supported  by 
several  of  the  most  sensible  and  influential  of  the  colonists. 

"  An  earnest,  but  ineffectual  effort  was  now  made  to  engage 
the  kings  in  a  treaty  of  peace.  The  state  of  the  settlement,  as 
well  as  motives  of  humanity,  urged  that  no  proper  means 
should  be  neglected  of  bringing  the  war  to  a  termination. 

"  The  enemy  was  assured  '  that  the  Americans  came  with 
friendly  intentions;  that  they  had  evinced  those  friendly  inten- 
tions in  all  their  intercourse  with  the  people  of  the  country; 
that  they  were  willing  to  settle  a  peace,  but  were  also  prepared 
to  carry  on  the  war,  and  render  it  immensely  more  destructive 
than  it  had  yet  been  found  to  their  foes.' — But  though  mes- 
sages were  daily  exchanged  with  the  chiefs  for  a  time,  and 
though  they  professed  a  pacific  disposition,  it  was  known  that 
they  were  earnestly  engaged  in  securing  allies  from  all  quar- 
ters, and  the  agent  made  diligent  preparations  for  a  second 
attack. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  193 

"'The  23d  of  November  was  devoted  to  humiliation  thanks- 
giving, and  prayer,  both  on  account  of  the  recent  success,  and 
losses,  and  the  actual  perilous  state  of  the  settlement.  Two 
days  afterwards,  the  most  pressing  wants  of  the  people  were 
relieved  by  a  small  purchase  from  a  transient  trader  touching 
at  the  Cape,' 

"A  generous  foreigner,  Captain  H.  Brassey,  of  Liverpool, 
arrived  on  the  29th,  '  and  nearly  exhausted  his  own  stores  to 
relieve  the  distresses  of  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  exerted  an 
extensive  influence,  acquired  by  long  acquaintance  with  the 
chiefs,  to  disarm  their  hostilities.'  But  in  vain.  '  It  was  ascer- 
tained to  be  their  purpose  to  renew  that  very  night,  with  a 
large  reinforcement,  their  eff"orts  to  destroy  the  settlement. 
The  presence  of  Captain  Brassey's  large  ship  in  the  harbour, 
induced  them  to  defer  the  attack.' 

"  In  a  letter  dated  November  30,  addressed  to  the  Board,  Mr. 
Ashmun  writes:  'AH  the  tribes  around  us  are  combined  in 
war  against  us.  Their  principal  object  is  plunder.  We  are 
surrounded  only  with  a  slight  barricade,  and  can  only  raise  a 
force  of  thirty  men;  have  not  time,  limits,  nor  the  means  to 
erect  an  eff'ectual  and  permanent  fortification,  nor  any  means 
except  what  casually  offers  of  sending  to  Sierra  Leone  for  aid. 
We  endeavour  to  make  God  our  trust.  I  have  no  idea  but  to 
wait  here  for  His  deliverance — or  to  lay  our  bones  on  Cape 
Mesurado.'  After  many  suggestions  in  regard  to  supplies 
by  future  expeditions,  he  concludes :  '  Dear  sir,  pray  for  us 
fervently,  that  if  living,  God  Almighty  ivould  be  with  us.' 

"  Mr.  Ashmun  thus  describes  the  contest  on  the  morning  of 
the  2d  of  December: 

"'  The  agent,  for  the  first  time,  spent  the  whole  night  (29tb) 
at  the  different  posts ;  and  had  the  satisfaction  to  perceive  every 
man  attentive  to  his  duty,  and  every  thing  connected  with  the 
defence  in  a  state  of  the  most  perfect  preparation.  The  wood 
had  been  cleared  for  a  considerable  space  about  the  town.  The 
enemy  in  order  to  approach  within  musket  shot  of  the  works, 
was  obliged  to  place  himself  unsheltered,  in  the  open  field; 
and  could  advance  upon  no  point  which  Avas  not  exposed  to 
the  cross-fire  of  two  or  more  of  the  posts.  The  stockade,  for  a 
distance  on  each  side  of  all  the  several  stations,  was  rendered 
impenetrable  to  musket  shot ;  and  in  every  part  afforded  a 
shelter,  behind  which  the  defenders  might  indulge  the  confi- 
17 


194  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

dence  of  being  nearly  secure — a  point  of  the  very  first  import- 
ance to  be  secured  to  the  unpractised  soldier. 

"  '  November  30th  was  spent  by  the  people  in  the  order  of 
action,  as  it  was  known  that  the  enemy  in  the  neighbourhood 
were  in  the  actual  observation  of  all  that  passed  within  the 
lines.  No  pickets  could  be  safely  trusted  during  the  ensuing 
night,  without  the  enclosure ;  but  the  men  attached  to  the  dif- 
ferent stations  were  ranged  along  the  stockade  at  five  yards' 
distance  from  each  other,  with  orders  to  repair  to  their  guns  on 
the  moment  the  alarm  was  given.  The  agent,  spent  with  the 
fatigue  of  waking  two  successive  nights,  had  reclined  at  thirty 
minutes  past  four,  the  2d  inst.,  upon  the  light  arms  which  he 
carried,  when  the  onset  was  made.  The  works  were  attacked 
at  the  same  moment  on  nearly  opposite  sides.  The  enemy's 
western  division  had  made  their  way  along  the  muddy  margin 
of  the  river,  under  the  protection  of  the  bank,  to  the  north- 
western angle  of  the  palisade;  when,  on  rising  the  bank  so  as 
to  become  visible  from  the  western  post,  they  had  opened  upon 
it  a  sudden  and  brisk  fire,  which  was  promptly  and  very 
steadily  returned  by  the  iron  gun,  supported  by  the  reserve 
field-piece  from  the  centre.  The  assailants  were  repulsed  with 
considerable  loss.  Ten  minutes  afterwards  they  renewed  the 
onset,  and  forcing  their  way  higher  up  the  bank  than  before, 
contended  with  great  obstinacy,  and  suffered  still  more  severely. 
A  third  attempt  was  made  to  carry  this  post,  but  with  the  same 
ill  success. 

" '  On  the  opposite  quarter  the  assault  had  commenced  at  the 
same  moment,  with  still  greater  vigour.  A  large  body  had 
concealed  themselves  under  a  precipitous  ledge  of  rocks  forty 
yards  distant;  whence  they  crept  nearly  concealed  from  view, 
within  the  same  number  of  feet  of  the  station;  when  they  sud- 
denly rose,  delivered  their  fire,  and  rushed  forward  with  the 
utmost  fury.  At  this  moment,  the  two-gun  battery  was  un- 
masked, and  opened  upon  them  with  immediate  effect.  After 
a  very  few  discharges,  the  body  of  the  enemy  having  thrown 
themselves  flat  upon  the  earth,  disappeared  behind  the  rocks. 
Their  marksmen  had  taken  their  stations  behind  projecting 
rocks,  fallen  trees,  and  large  ant-hills,  and  still  kept  up  a  con- 
stant and  well  directed  fire ;  under  the  cover  of  which  the  main 
body  rallied  and  returned  to  the  attack  not  less  than  four  times, 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  195 

and  were  as  often  repulsed  by  the  well  directed  fire  of  the  large 
guns,  which  were  purposely  reserved  for  those  occasions. 

"  '  The  agent,  at  this  moment,  perceiving  the  enemy  in  motion 
towards  the  right,  under  cover  of  a  small  eminence  which 
favoured  their  design,  proceeded  to  the  southern  post,  which 
had  not  yet  been  engaged,  and  ordered  it  to  open  upon  them 
the  moment  their  movement  brought  them  within  the  range  of 
its  guns.  The  order  was  punctually  obeyed;  which  exposed  a 
large  number  of  the  assailants  to  a  galling  cannonade  both  in 
front  and  flank,  in  a  situation  where  their  own  arms  could 
prove  of  no  effectual  service  to  them.  The  assault  on  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  town  had  been  already  repulsed ;  and  the 
signal  for  a  general  retreat  immediately  followed.  This  order 
was  obeyed  with  such  promptitude,  that  the  most  entire  silence 
succeeded,  and  every  warrior  disappeared  almost  instanta- 
neously. 

"  'Not  the  most  veteran  troQps  could  have  behaved  with  more 
coolness,  or  shown  greater  firmness  than  the  settlers,  on  this 
occasion.  Such  had  been  their  hardships,  and  distressing  sus- 
pense for  the  last  twenty  days,  that  the  first  volley  of  the 
enemy's  fire  brought  sensible  relief  to  every  breast;  for  it  gave 
assurance  that  the  time  had  arrived  which  was  to  put  a  period 
to  their  anxieties. 

" '  The  final  repulse  of  the  assailants  on  the  western  quarter, 
took  place  in  seventy  minutes  from  the  commencement  of  the 
contest;  the  attack  upon  the  eastern  post,  was  prolonged  ninety 
minutes ;  and  of  the  two,  was  much  the  most  obstinate  and 
bloody.  Three  of  the  men  serving  at  the  guns  of  that  station, 
Gardiner,  Crook,  and  Tines,  were  very  badly,  the  last  mortally, 
wounded.  The  agent  received  three  bullets  through  his  clothes, 
but  providentially  escaped  unhurt.  As  the  natives  in  close 
action  load  their  muskets  (which  are  of  the  largest  calibre) 
with  copper  and  iron  slugs,  often  to  the  enormous  measure  of 
twelve  inches,  their  fire  is  commonly  very  destructive.  In  this 
conflict  of  scarcely  an  hour  and  a  half,  the  quantity  of  shot 
lodged  in  the  paling,  and  actually  thrown  within  the  lines,  is 
altogether  incredible ;  and  that  it  took  effect  in  so  few  cases, 
can  only  be  regarded  as  the  effect  of  the  special  guardianship 
of  Divine  Providence. 

" '  The  number  of  assailants  has  been  variously  estimated, 
but  can  never  be  correctly  ascertained.    It  is  known  to   be 


196  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

much  greater  than  of  those  engaged  on  the  11th,  Their  loss, 
although  from  the  quantity  of  blood  with  which  the  field  was 
found  drenched,  certainly  considerable,  was  much  less  than  in 
the  former  attack. 

"  'The  agent  has  often  said  that  their  plan  of  assault  was  the 
very  best  that  they  could  have  devised.  It  was  certainly  sus- 
tained and  renewed  with  a  resolution  that  would  not  disgrace 
the  best  disciplined  troops.  But  they  were  not  fully  apprised 
of  the  power  of  well  served  artillery.  None  of  the  kings  of 
this  part  of  the  coast  are  without  cannon.  But  to  load  a  great 
gun,  is  with  them  the  business  of  half  an  hour;  and  they  were 
seriously  disposed  to  attribute  to  sorcery  the  art  of  charging 
and  firing  these  destructive  machines  from  four  to  six  times  in 
the  minute.' 

"  The  result  of  this  action  disheartened  the  foe,  and  animated 
for  a  moment,  the  hopes  of  the  colonists.  But  the  situation  of 
the  latter,  was  most  distressing.  The  small  number  still  more 
reduced — no  aid  near — provisions  scanty,  so  that  for  six  weeks 
they  had  been  on  an  allowance  of  meat  and  bread;  the  suffer- 
ings of  the  wounded,  relieved  by  little  surgical  knowledge,  less 
skill,  and  no  proper  instruments,  indescribable;  and  on  an  equal 
distribution  of  the  shot  among  the  guns,  not  three  rounds 
remaining  to  each!  'We  cried  unto  God,'  says  Mr.  Ashmun, 
(in  his  letter  to  the  Board  of  the  7th  of  December,)  '  to  send  us 
aid,  or  prepare  us,  and  the  society  at  home,  for  the  heaviest 
earthly  calamity  we  could  dread.' 

"On  the  following  night,  an  officer  at  one  of  the  stations, 
alarmed  by  some  movement  in  the  vicinity,  discharged  several 
muskets  and  large  guns,  and  this  circumstance  was  providen- 
tially the  means  of  bringing  relief  to  the  almost  despairing 
settlement. 

"  The  British  colonial  schooner,  Prince  Regent,  laden  with 
military  stores,  and  having  on  board  Major  Laing,  the  cele- 
brated African  traveller,  with  a  prize  crew  commanded  by 
Midshipman  Gordon,  and  eleven  seamen  of  his  Britannic  Ma- 
jesty's sloop  of  war  Driver,  was  at  this  time  passing  the  Cape 
on  her  way  to  Cape  Coast  Castle,  when  her  officers,  arrested  by 
the  sound  of  cannon  at  midnight  from  the  shore,  resolved  to 
ascertain  the  cause  of  so  extraordinary  a  circumstance.  No 
sooner  did  they  learn  the  truth,  and  behold  a  little  company  of 
brave  men  contending  for  their  lives  against  the  leagued  forces 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  197 

of  nearly  every  barbarous  tribe  on  that  part  of  the  coast,  than 
they  generously  offered  all  the  aid  in  their  power.  By  the 
influence  of  Captain  Laing,  the  chiefs  were  bound  to  a  truce, 
and  to  refer  all  matters  of  difference  between  them  and  the 
colony,  to  the  judgment  of  the  Governor  of  Sierra  Leone; 
while  jNIidshipman  Gordon,  with  eleven  seamen,  voluntarily 
consented  to  remain,  and  see  that  the  agreement  was  preserved 
inviolate.  As  the  chiefs  had  no  just  grounds  of  complaint,  the 
provision  for  a  reference  was  never  afterwards  recollected. 
The  Prince  Regent  left  at  the  colony  a  supply  of  ammunition, 
and  took  her  departure  on  the  4th  of  December.  From  that 
hour  the  foundations  of  the  colony  were  laid  in  a  firm  and  last- 
ing PEACE. 

"  And  who  was  he,  that  '  single  white  man,'  on  that  distant 
forest-clad  shore,  unbroken  in  spirit,  though  bowed  beneath  the 
heavy  hand  of  sorrow  and  sickness,  casting  fear  to  the  winds, 
directing  and  heading  by  day  and  night,  a  feeble,  undisciplined, 
dejected,  unfortified  band  of  thirty-five  emigrants,  against  whom 
the  very  elements  seemed  warring,  while  a  thousand  to  fif- 
teen hundred  armed  savages  were  rushing  to  destroy  them  ? 
Who  was  he,  that  in  reliance  on  God  for  wisdom  and  might, 
imparted  such  skill  and  courage  to  this  little  company, — so 
ordered  every  plan  and  guided  every  movement,  that  the  fierce 
foe  retired  panic-struck  before  them,  and  they  stood  rescued 
and  redeemed  from  impending  destruction? 

"  Was  he  a  veteran  soldier,  inured  to  danger,  familiar  with 
suffering,  and  bred  amid  scenes  of  battle  and  blood.'  Was  he 
there  adorned  by  badges  of  military  honour,  conscious  of  a 
reputation  won  by  deeds  of  '  high  emprise,'  and  stimulated  to 
valour  by  hopes  of  glory  and  fears  of  disgrace? 

"  That  was  no  tried,  no  ambitious  soldier.  He  was  a  young 
man  bred  to  letters,  of  retired  habits,  educated  for  the  ministry 
of  Christ,  unknown  to  fame, — the  victim  of  disappointment, 
burdened  with  debt,  and  touched  by  undeserved  reproach. 
He  had  visited  Africa  in  hope  of  obtaining  the  means  of  doing 
justice  to  his  creditors;  and  impelled  by  humanity  and  religion, 
had  consented,  without  any  fixed  compensation,  to  give,  should 
they  be  required,  his  services  to  the  colony.  He  found  it  in 
peril  of  extinction.  He  hesitated  not.  He  failed  not  to  redeem 
his  pledge.  He  gathered  strength  from  difficulty,  and  motive 
from  danger.  No  thronging  and  admiring  spectators  cheered 
17* 


198  HISTORY    OF  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

him;  no  glorious  pomp  and  circumstance  were  there  to  throw 
a  brightness  and  a  beauty  even  upon  the  features  and  terrors 
of  death.  He  stood  strong  in  duty,  covered  by  the  shield  of 
faith.  His  frame  shaken  by  disease;  the  partner  of  his  life 
struck  down  by  his  side;  amid  the  groans  of  the  afflicted  and 
m  the  shadow  of  hope's  dim  eclipse,  he  planned  and  executed, 
with  the  ability  of  the  bravest  and  most  experienced  general, 
measures  which  saved  the  settlement,  and  secured  for  liberty 
and  Christianity,  a  perpetual  home  and  heritage  in  Africa. 
Raised  up  and  guided  by  an  Almighty,  though  invisible  hand, 
to  build  a  city  of  righteousness  on  that  shore  of  oppression, 
before  which  the  makers  of  idols  should  be  confounded,  and 
those  in  chains  come  over*  to  fall  down  in  worship,  and  exclaim 
as  they  beheld  her  light,  "  surely  God  is  in  thee,"  no  weapon 
formed  against  him  could  prosper,  no  wasting  destruction  by 
day,  or  pestilence  walking  in  darkness,  had  power  to  defeat 
the  work."t 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE  COLONY  UNDER  MR.  ASHMUN. 

The  Prince  Regent,  which  had  arrived  so  opportunely  at  the 
Cape,  and  to  whose  captain,  officers,  and  crew,  the  colonists 
were  so  much  indebted  for  their  aid  and  protection,  when  she 
departed  from  the  Cape,  left  midshipman  Gordon,  as  we  have 
seen,  and  eleven  seamen,  as  a  kind  of  guard  for  the  colonists, 
and  to  see  that  the  agreement  into  which  the  chiefs  had  entered 
was  fulfilled.  But  these  generous  Englishmen  had  scarcely 
set  foot  on  the  African  shore,  to  assist  the  feeble  colony,  when 
they  were  swept  away  by  the  fell  malaria  of  this  climate,  so 
unfriendly  to  the  constitution  of  white  men. 

The  funeral  of  midshipman  Gordon  was  attended  by  nearly 
all  the  colonists,  and  by  the  officers  of  several  vessels  who  hap- 
pened to  be  in  port.  Mr.  Ashmun  announced  the  melancholy 
event  to  Lieutenant  Rotheray  of  the  British  navy,  in  a  letter  of 

*  Isaiah  xlv.  14,  16.  tGurley's  Life  of  Ashmun. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  199 

cordial  gratitude  for  the  services  secured,  and  tender  sympathy 
for  the  loss  of  so  promising  a  young  man. 

Important  services  were  also  rendered  to  the  infant  colony 
by  the  officers  and  crew  of  a  Colombian  armed  schooner,  which 
arrived  on  the  4th  of  December,  1822,  and  remained  four  weeks 
at  the  colony.  Her  mechanics  assisted  in  putting  the  settle- 
ment into  a  better  state  of  defence. 

Mr.  Ashmun's  health  continued  to  be  ])Oor;  it  was  evidently 
injured  by  excessive  exertion;  so  that  it  was  not  until  Feb- 
ruary that  he  was  again  capable  of  active  service.  He  felt 
that  much  was  requisite  to  be  done  before  the  rainy  season. 
Besides  the  public  store,  there  was  but  one  shingled  roof  in  the 
settlement.  Many  of  the  cabins  were  without  floors,  covered 
with  thatch,  and  afforded  a  very  imperfect  shelter.  The  war  had 
occupied  the  attention  of  all  the  colonists  for  several  months, 
and  deranged  all  their  habits  of  industry  and  economy.  Pro- 
visions began  also  to  run  low,  and  every  prospect  was  gloomy 
rather  than  cheering.  But  the  stout-hearted  agent  was  not  easily 
discouraged:  as  he  stood  firm  in  the  midst  of  his  little  band,  when 
assailed  by  fifty  times  the  number  of  his  own  men,  and  came 
off  victorious,  so  now,  when  disease  and  famine  threatened  the 
little  lonely  colony,  he  still  put  his  trust  in  God.  In  a  letter  to 
the  Board  he  says: — "Our  last  barrel  of  salted  provisions,  is  to 
be  opened  on  next  Saturday.  But  we  do  not  coniplain.  God 
has  not,  and  will  not  fail  to  be  our  Provider.  I  have  only  to 
regret  that  the  war  has  put  back  our  improvements  nearly  a 
whole  year."  And  again,  to  the  secretary  of  the  society,  he 
says:  "Divine  Providence  has,  since  my  last,  been  gradually 
dispersing  the  clouds  which  then  hung  over  us.  We  have 
opened  a  trade  with  a  wealthy  tribe  in  the  interior  for  bullocks. 
They  cost  fifteen  bars  each.*  Our  people  begin  to  breathe 
freely.  We  still  keep  up  a  strict  watch  at  night,  but  are  able 
with  safety  to  reduce  it,  so  as  to  make  it  very  little  burden- 
some to  the  colonists.  Our  wounded,  though  unable  to  labour, 
are  once  more  moving  about  with  their  crutches,  and  their 
slings,  and  we  have  just  begun  to  build  and  repair  the  houses 
in  which  ourselves,  and  the  fresh  emigrants,  (if  any  arrive,)  are 
to  spend  the  rains.  Finally,  the  progress  of  the  colony  is  now 
forwards,  and  not  as  it  has  been  for  months  past,  retrograde. 
My  health  is  nearly  restored.     I  stand  a  monument  of  God's 

*  About  eight  dollars. 


200  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

mercy;  and  behold  the  graves  of  fifteen  white  persons  around 
me,  all  of  whom  have  died  since  I  landed  on  the  Cape.  Help 
me  to  praise  the  Lord,  and  pray,  fervently  pray,  that  I  may 
spend  a  life  thus  astonishingly  preserved,  in  some  humble  way 
of  usefulness  to  his  blessed  cause  in  Africa  and  in  the  world."* 

On  the  5th  of  March  1823,  Mr.  Ashmun  wrote,  "We  have 
all  our  captives  back  again.  The  kings  met  and  agreed  to  send 
them  without  any  demand.  It  was,  however,  expected  that 
we  would  make  them  a  present.  This  I  did.  The  little  things 
were  all  very  much  uncivilized.  Some  had  forgotten  the  Eng- 
lish language;  some  had  forgotten  their  own  parents;  others 
had  actually  gone  wild,  and  to  avoid  their  friends,  would  scud 
like  fawns  into  the  bushes." 

The  American  ship  of  war  Cyane  having  arrived  on  the 
African  coast.  Captain  Robert  Trail  Spence,  though  his  health 
was  impaired,  and  his  crew  enfeebled  by  a  cruise  of  twelve 
months  in  the  West  Indies;  yet  upon  hearing  of  the  state  of  the 
colony,  determined  to  adopt  efficient  measures  for  its  relief  and 
safety.  He  saw  the  importance  of  leaving  an  armed  vessel 
on  the  coast,  and  by  the  most  energetic  exertion,  he  fitted  up 
and  repaired  the  old  schooner  Augusta,  bearing  six  guns,  and 
manned  her  with  twelve  men,  under  the  command  of  Lieu- 
tenant Dashiell,  to  guard  the  coast,  and  aid  the  colony  in  any 
exigency. 

Captain  Spence  discovered  every  disposition  to  place  the  col- 
ony in  a  state  of  safety  and  comfort  before  he  left  the  coast, 
and  therefore  not  only  incurred  a  heavy  expense  by  purchasing 
at  Sierra  Leone  necessary  articles  for  the  settlement,  but  em- 
ployed a  large  part  of  his  crew  for  twenty  days  in  assisting 
the  people  to  build  a  commodious  house  for  the  agent,  and 
a  stone  fortress,  which  might  prove  "  a  tower  of  strength."  But 
in  the  midst  of  his  benevolent  exertions,  he  had  the  afliiction  to 
see  Dr.  Dix,  the  surgeon  of  his  ship,  expire,  after  a  few  days' 
illness,  with  the  fever  of  the  climate.  This  valuable  man  had 
been  a  warm  friend  to  the  colony  from  the  beginning;  had  vis- 
ited and  administered  relief  to  the  emigrants,  when  at  Sherbro; 
and  now  the  tears  of  a  grateful  people  fell  into  his  grave.  The 
rapid  progress  of  disease  among  the  seamen  on  shore,  compel- 
led Captain  Spence  to  leave  incomplete  the  works  he  had  com- 
menced; but  with  all  his  precautions  and  exertions,  he  could 

*  Gurley's  Life  of  Ashmun,  p.  153, 154. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  201 

not  prevent  the  loss  of  a  large  number  of  his  crew.  As  many 
as  forty  men  fell  victims  to  this  deleterious  climate. 

The  works  which  Captain  Spence  had  commenced  were  all 
planned  and  superintended  by  Mr.  Ashmun,  who  possessed  not 
only  undaunted  resolution  in  time  of  danger,  but  extraordinary 
activity  and  versatility  of  mind. 

Upon  leaving  the  coast  of  Africa,  Captain  Spence  consented 
that  Mr.  Richard  Seaton,  the  first  clerk  of  the  Cyane,  should 
remain  at  the  Cape,  to  assist  Mr.  Ashmun,  who  saw,  that  with 
impaired  health  and  increasing  burthens,  it  was  impossible  for 
him  alone  to  fulfil  the  numerous  and  arduous  duties  of  the 
agency.  But  having  now  an  assistant  to  whom  he  could  in- 
trust the  affairs  of  the  colony,  he  determined  to  make  a  coasting 
voyage  to  convey  home  about  forty  Kroomen,  who  had  per- 
formed labours  in  the  colony  upon  this  condition,  that  they 
should  be,  without  expense,  conveyed  to  Settra  Kroo,  two 
hundred  miles  south  of  the  Cape.  He  was  absent  twenty-one 
days  on  this  expedition,  and  made  accurate  observations  of 
every  thing  which  he  saw,  and  returned  on  the  13th  of  May, 
1823. 

In  his  communications  to  the  Board,  he  remarks,  "  that  the 
whole  African  coast  was  once  populous,  and  the  land  cleared 
and  cultivated;  and  that  the  present  dense  forests  and  entangled 
jungles,  are  a  second  growth;  that  the  native  towns  are  nu- 
merous but  not  large.  The  people  raise  their  own  rice,cassada, 
and  palm  oil;  and  procure  their  guns,  powder,  clothes,  tobacco, 
knives,  cooking  utensils,  and  luxuries  from  French  slave-tra- 
ders." "We  saw,"  says  he,  "at  least  three  vessels  of  this 
description." 

The  chief  men  of  every  tribe  which  he  visited,  declared  it 
to  be  their  purpose  to  live  in  friendship,  and  trade  with  the 
colony.  The  report  of  the  late  war  had  spread  every  where 
among  them,  and  had  produced  a  high  opinion  of  the  strength 
and  invincibility  of  the  colony.  Although,  during  his  short 
absence  the  colonists  had  plied  the  work  on  hand,  under  the 
direction  of  one  of  their  own  number;  yet  he  found  that  Mr. 
Seaton  had  been  confined  with  a  severe  attack  of  fever.  After 
languishing  about  two  months,  Mr  Seaton  determined  on  a 
return  to  the  United  States,  in  the  Oswego,  which  had  just 
come  out  with  Dr.  Ayres,  and  a  company  of  emigrants.  But 
it  was  determined  that  he  should  never  see  his  native  country. 


202  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

On  the  fifth  day  of  the  voyage,  he  breathed  his  last.  The  affec- 
tionate  memorial  of  this  interesting  young  man,  given  by  Mr. 
Ashmun,  deserves  a  place  in  this  history.  "The  bloom  of 
youth  had  just  ripened  into  the  graces  of  manhood,  and  given 
to  a  person  naturally  prepossessing,  the  higher  ornament  of  a 
benevolent  and  highly  accomplished  understanding.  He  per- 
ceived his  services  were  needed  by  a  colony  which  had  inte- 
rested his  heart,  and  he  gave  them.  Becoming  the  voluntary 
companion  and  assistant  of  the  solitary  agent,  he  saw  the  Cyane 
sail  from  the  coast,  with  composure,  on  the  21st  of  April.  His 
conciliating  manners,  aided  by  a  judicious  procedure,  deepened 
in  the  hearts  of  the  colonists,  the  impression  first  made  by  his 
disinterestedness.  Seldom  has  the  longest  friendship  power  to 
cement  a  more  cordial  union,  than  had  begun  to  unite  to  this 
generous  stranger  the  heart  of  the  writer." 

Mr.  Ashmun,  notwithstanding  his  ill  health  and  pressing 
engagements,  omitted  no  opportunity  of  advising  the  Board  of 
the  state  of  the  colony,  and  of  suggesting  such  plans  for  its  im- 
provement, as  occurred  to  his  observing  mind.  The  following 
extract  will  be  read  with  interest.  "  Our  little  school  is  kept 
in  operation,  but  it  is  a  feeble  affair.  Our  poor  liberated  cap- 
tives work  hard  and  cheerfully,  but  receive  little  instruction. 
My  heart  often  bleeds  for  them,  and  others  in  similar  circum- 
stances. When  can  you  send  out  a  pious  and  accomplished 
schoolmaster  ?  Permit  me  to  say  a  word  about  a  minister  of 
the  gospel.  We  are  starving  for  want  of  the  able,  and  regular 
administration  of  the  word  and  ordinances.  Does  not  even  the 
colony  deserve  the  attention  of  some  missionary  society?  Let 
it  be  considered,  that  a  zealous  minister,  catechists,  &c.,  residing 
in  the  town,  may  bestow  any  part  of  their  labours  on  the  hea- 
then. They  may  open  schools  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river, 
which  will  be  immediately  filled  with  heathen  youth  and 
children.  They  may  form  in  town  a  missionary  family.  The 
people  of  this  part  of  the  coast  have  no  inveterate,  anti-religious 
prejudices  to  prevent  them  attending  every  Sabbath  or  oftener, 
to  hear  the  divine  word.  Very  good  interpreters  can  be  pro- 
cured for  a  trifling  compensation.  I  am  certain  that  an  able 
minister  of  the  gospel,  clothed  with  all  the  authority  and  pre- 
rogatives of  a  commissioned  ambassador  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  is 
the  man  now  wanting.     Let  catechists  attend  him." 

The  horrible  nature  of  the  slave  trade  as  carried  on  in  Africa, 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  203 

by  those  who  engage  to  supply  the  slave  ships,  will  be  under- 
stood from  the  following  account  of  the  proceedings  of  King 
Boatswain,  one  of  the  staunchest  friends  of  the  colony.  "  Having 
received  a  quantity  of  goods  from  a  French  slaver,  for  which 
he  had  stipulated  to  pay  young  slaves;  and  making  it  a  point 
of  honour  to  be  punctual,  and  yet  not  having  at  present  the 
means  of  fulfilling  his  contract;  what  does  he  do,  but  looking 
round  on  the  peaceable  tribes  about  him,  he  singled  out  the 
Queahs,  a  small  agricultural  and  trading  people,  of  most  in- 
offensive character.  His  warriors  were  skilfully  distributed  to 
the  different  hamlets,  and  making  a  simultaneous  assault  on 
the  sleeping  inhabitants,  in  the  dead  of  night,  accomplished 
without  difficulty  or  resistance,  the  annihilation  of  the  whole 
tribe,  a  few  towns  excepted.  Every  adult  man  and  woman 
was  murdered;  every  hut  fired;  very  young  children  generally 
shared  the  fate  of  their  parents.  The  boys  and  girls  alone 
were  reserved  for  the  Frenchman." 

On  the  24th  of  May,  Dr.  Ayres  had  returned  to  the  colony, 
as  principal  agent,  both  of  the  government  and  society.  By 
despatches  that  came  with  him,  Mr.  Ashmun  had  the  mortifica- 
tion to  learn,  that  his  drafts,  both  on  the  government  and 
society  had  been  dishonoured;  that  neither  had  made  any 
appropriation  for  his  benefit;  that  he  had  been  appointed  to 
no  agency  by  the  government;  that  the  society  had  invested 
him  with  no  authority;  but  while  it  gratefully  acknowledged 
his  services  and  engaged  Uberally  to  reward  them,  had  left  his 
compensation  for  the  past  undetermined;  and  for  the  future,  a 
matter  for  negotiation  with  the  principal  agent. 

By  the  return  of  the  Oswego,  he  informed  the  Board,  "That 
by  ordinary  success  in  trade  on  the  coast,  he  could  realize  at 
least  four  times  the  sum  he  should  ever  ask  or  expect,  ehher 
of  the  government  or  the  society;  that  it  was  his  wish,  however, 
to  lend  his  services  to  the  cause  of  the  society,  as  long  as  they 
should  be  required; — that  he  felt  unworthy  of  the  vote  of  thanks 
passed  by  the  Board,  for  endeavouring  to  perform,  as  well  as 
he  could,  the  arduous  and  perilous  duties  connected  with  the 
defence  of  the  colony;  and  that  to  know  that  any  part  of  his 
conduct  merited  the  approbation  of  the  Board,  was  amongst 
the  most  powerful  motives  for  endeavouring  in  future  to  de- 
serve it." 

He  continued  to  give  the  Board  an  exact  account  of  the  con- 


204  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

dition  and  wants  of  the  colony.  He  says,  "  A  missionary  and 
two  schoolmasters,  with  a  female  teacher,  are  needed  beyond 
measure," — Speaking  of  emigrants,  he  says,  "They  will  come, 
I  believe,  as  fast  as  the  good  of  the  colony  shall  require.  It  is 
not  desirable,  at  present,  That  more  than  three  or  four  shipments, 
of  sixty  persons  each,  be  made  in  the  course  of  the  year.  But 
the  proportion  may  increase,  and  that  largely,  every  year.  Let 
one  hundred  families  be  well  settled  with  a  good  house  and 
perfectly  improved  lot  to  each,  in  town,  and  a  plantation  with- 
out, well  cultivated: — let  a  warehouse  and  temporary  recep- 
tacles for  new  comers  be  prepared — and  the  wheels  of  the 
machine — its  schools,  courts,  &c.,  get  a  good  momentum  on 
them,  in  a  proper  direction,  and  you  may  throw  in  new  settlers 
as  fast  as  your  funds  will  admit,"  Again,  '<  The  delays  and 
dangers  encountered  in  acquiring  secure  possession  of  a  terri- 
tory will  endear  it,  and  greatly  enhance  its  value  to  the  settlers 
for  a  long  time  to  come.  They  have,  even  the  most  worldly, 
been  driven  by  the  extremity  of  their  circumstances  to  suppli- 
cation and  prayer.  The  truly  pious  among  us,  have  thus 
contracted  the  habit  of  regarding  and  acknowledging  the  hand 
of  God  in  all  their  ways;  and  of  trusting  his  gracious  promises 
more  implicitly,  both  for  soul  and  body,  for  this  world  and  the 
next. 

"We  are  now  one  hundred  and  fifty  strong,  all  in  health, 
have  about  fifty  houses,  including  three  store-houses,  and  a 
heavy  substantial  stone  tower,  fourteen  feet  high,  mounting  six 
pieces  of  ordnance.  We  have  a  good  framed  house  surrounded 
with  a  piazza:  Dr.  Ayres  has  brought  out  the  frame  of  another 
of  equal  dimensions.  Harmony  and  a  good  degree  of  industry, 
at  present,  prevail.  Thus  you  see  that  we  are  prepared  to  go 
on  and  fulfil  the  anxious  wishes  of  the  friends  of  the  cause,  in 
relation  to  the  cultivation  of  the  lands,  and  the  formation  of  a 
moral,  regular,  and  happy  society," 

The  death  of  Mrs.  Ashmun  took  place  in  the  year  1822.  She 
died  about  the  middle  of  September.  The  entry  in  the  Colonial 
Journal  for  September  12th,  says,  "There  is  no  rational  hope 
of  her  recovery.  All  remedies  have  been  tried  in  vain.  Her 
husband,  with  a  burthened  heart,  resigns  her  up  to  God.  When 
last  possessed  of  the  power  of  reflection,  she  declared  herself 
happy  in  her  God,  and  to  possess  not  a  wish  not  absorbed  in 
his  holy  will.     She  seemed  to  have  intercourse  with  God  in 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  205 

prayer.  Pier  husband  ventures  to  record  it  as  the  first  wish  of 
his  heart,  that  the  will  of  the  Lord  may  be  done." 

It  may  now  with  propriety  be  mentioned,  that  Lieutenant 
Dashiell  left  by  Captain  Spence,  in  the  command  of  the  schooner 
Augusta,  sickened,  and  died  on  the  22d  of  June,  1823.  He 
was  succeeded  in  the  command  of  the  schooner  by  Lieutenant 
McMullin. 

We  will  bring  this  chapter  to  a  close,  by  adding  some  further 
description  of  Cape  Mesurado,  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Ashmun. 
(See  Appendix  to  Sixth  Report  B.  C.  S.) 

"The  whole  cape  (I  mean  the  promontory  of  four  miles  in 
extent)  is  of  nearly  equal  elevation  throughout  the  whole  ex- 
tent, running  m  a  north-westerly,  and  south-easterly  direction, 
and  terminating  in  a  double  or  bifurcated  point.  The  river 
washes  the  north  side  of  this  promontory  two  miles  before  it 
falls  into  the  sea;  and  its  width  from  the  river  and  sea  on  the 
north  side,  to  the  ocean  on  the  south,  is  from  two  miles  to 
three-fourths  of  a  mile.  The  acclivity  from  the  north  side  is 
abrupt,  the  descent  towards  the  south,  gentle;  and  near  the  sea 
contains  an  excellent  tract  of  table  land.  The  whole  of  this 
cape,  except  the  alluvial  table  on  the  south  side,  is  of  volcanic 
origin.  Two  kinds  of  stone  only  are  found,  and  these  are 
abundant.  The  first  is  lava,  in  a  state  of  partial  decomposi- 
tion, and  exceedingly  friable:  the  other  is  of  the  limestone  spe- 
cies, and  almost  incapable  of  being  split  or  reduced,  with  the 
heaviest  hammers.  Tlie  wood  on  the  cape  is  as  lofty  and 
nearly  as  heavy  as  that  of  our  sturdiest  forests,  in  America. 
On  the  table  lands  it  is  lighter.  Some  extensive  tracts,  and 
containing  a  rich  soil,  are  nearly  covered  with  brushwood. 
Our  force  here  can  clear  for  planting,  ten  acres  of  it  in  a  day. 
Whole  forests  here  are  strongly  bound  together,  and  rendered 
nearly  or  quite  impervious,  by  a  profusion  of  rank  vines  of  all 
sizes;  some  nearly  as  large  as  a  small  cable,  which  creep, 
wind,  and  intertwine  with  other  trees  and  themselves  in  all 
possible  directions.  Often  a  dozen  trees  must  be  separated 
from  their  trunks  before  one  can  be  brought  to  the  ground. 

"  Fish,  in  the  river's  mouth,  are  very  numerous,  especially  iu 
the  dry  season — many  of  them  are  large — all  that  I  have  seen, 
excellent. 

"  Every  day  I  bless  anew  the  favouring  providence  which 
eventually  led  your  agents  to  establish  the  settlement  on  Cape 
18 


206  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Mesurado.  Not  an  hour  have  I  spent  here  without  feeling 
the  refreshing  and  sahitary  influences  of  a  fresh  breeze  from 
the  ocean.  The  settlement  can  never  be  without  it.  When 
comfortable  habitations  are  built,  a  foreigner  would  endanger 
his  health  by  a  residence  here  no  more  than  spending  the  same 
time  in  sailing  down  the  coast."  ..."  Could  a  person  from 
America  spend  one  week  of  the  rainy  season  on  this  coast,  on 
board  a  ship  or  on  shore,  he  would  find  no  dilficulty  as  to  the 
great  cause  of  fever  to  new  comers.  In  other  parts  of  Africa 
it  may  be  different;  but  on  Mesurado,  the  cause  of  sickness 
is  not  marsh  miasma,  nor  exhalations  from  the  earth,  nor  the 
influence  of  the  sun,  but  an  atmosphere  loaded  with  oceans  of 
vapour.  For  months,  this  humid  quality  of  the  air  receives  not 
the  least  correction  or  abatement,  day  or  night.  Contrary  to 
all  former  prejudices,  I  have  indulged  daily  in  the  use  of  spirits, 
wine,  and  bark,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  tone  to  the  system, 
and  bracing  it  against  the  relaxing  influence  of  a  soaked  and. 
watery  atmosphere,  and  have  found  benefit  from  the  practice. 
I  will  say  of  Mesurado,  that  no  situation  in  West  Africa  is 
more  healthy. 

"  The  sea  air  does  all  for  it  that  can  be  done  in  this  climate. 
One  peculiarity  is,  that  the  night  air  is  nearly  as  pure  as  any 
other.  The  fevers  with  which  our  company  have  been  visited^ 
are  all  nearly  of  the  same  type;  quotidian  and  tertian  inter- 
mittent, rather  of  the  putrescent  than  inflammatory  character — 
commonly  gentle  in  degree,  and  easily  subdued  by  remedies. 
Such  has  been  the  character  of  the  sickness  so  far.  The  vio- 
lent symptoms  of  the  Sherbro  fever  have  not  manifested  them- 
selves in  a  single  instance. 

"The  rapidity  and  luxuriance  of  vegetation  here,  can  scarcely 
be  imagined  by  natives  of  temperate  latitudes.  A  crop  of  beans 
now  on  the  ground,  grows  without  supporters,  three  and  a 
half  feet  high.  The  pods  on  an  average  are  eleven  inches  long. 
The  seed  was  brought  from  America.  I  now  find  great  ad- 
vantage in  having  been  bred  a  farmer.  When  the  cape  is  a 
little  more  cleared  away;  and  dry,  airy,  and  substantial  dwel- 
lings built,  I  do  not  conceive  it  a  matter  of  the  greatest  impor- 
tance to  the  health  of  the  settlers,  at  what  season  they  land 
here.  The  commencement  of  the  rains  would  be  the  least 
favourable,  but  of  any  other  season,  there  is  little  to  choose. 
The  constitution  will  be  tried  by  the  climate,  arrive  when  they 
may." 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  207 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

ADMINISTRATION  OF  ASHMUN  CONTINUED. 

Dr.  Ayres  having  returned  to  the  colony  as  principal  agent, 
both  of  the  Colonization  Society,  and  the  government  of  the 
United  States,  Mr.  Ashmun  was  relieved  from  his  heavy  bur- 
den of  anxieties  and  public  duties;  but  his  mind  was  too 
vigorous  and  active  to  be  contented  with  indolent  repose;  he 
therefore  availed  himself  of  this  season  of  leisure  to  pursue  his 
studies ;  which  for  several  months  he  did  with  unusual  alacrity 
and  steadiness. 

Dr.  Ayres  did  what  he  could  to  promote  the  comfort  and 
health  of  the  emigrants  who  came  out  with  him  in  the  Oswego ; 
but  it  was  not  long  before  his  own  health  was  seriously  im- 
paired; so  that  he  was  no  longer  able  to  visit  the  sick,  and  in 
his  prescriptions,  was  obliged  to  trust  to  the  representations  of 
the  Rev.  Lot  Gary,  and  of  the  most  intelligent  of  the  colonists. 
The  houses  which  had  been  prepared  for  these  emigrants  were 
also  miserably  defective;  and  there  was  a  want  of  suitable 
medicines;  on  account  of  all  which  circumstances,  the  mortality 
amongthese  people  was  considerable;  eight  out  of  sixty  having 
fallen  victims  of  the  fever  of  the  country. 

Mr.  Ashmun,  though  not  aware  of  the  extent  to  which  his 
reputation  was  suffering  in  the  United  States,  yet  was  not  a 
little  mortified  at  the  neglect  with  which  he  had  been  treated 
by  the  Board;  and  was  not  satisfied  with  the  indefinite  pro- 
posals made  for  his  compensation  for  past  services ;  and  that 
in  relation  to  the  future,  they  had  left  every  thing  to  the  discre- 
tion of  the  agent.  He  determined,  however,  to  be  so  explicit, 
that  no  future  difficulty  might  arise  on  this  score.  He  proposed 
that  he  would  continue  in  the  service  of  the  Board,  provided 
they  would  allow  him  a  salary  of  ^1250,  the  greater  part  of 
which  he  desired  might  be  applied  to  the  payment  of  his  debts, 
in  the  United  States,  contracted  before  he  went  to  Africa.  The 
agent  did  not  feel  authorized  to  promise  this  sum,  and  the 
proposal  was  sent  home  for  the  decision  of  the  Board. 


20S  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

This  subject  was  considered  by  tlie  Board,  at  a  meeting  on  the 
25th  of  September,  1823;  and  it  was  resolved,  "that  consider- 
ing the  resources  of  the  Institution,  they  could  not  make  the 
appropriation  for  the  salary  which  was  required;  but  that  they 
would  make  him  a  full  and  fair  compensation  for  any  services 
which  he  might  be  desired  by  Dr.  Ayres  to  render  to  the  affairs 
of  the  colony,  as  their  funds  would  enable  them  to  do;  and  that 
while  residing  with  Dr.  Ayres,  and  assisting  him,  he  should  be 
maintained  and  provided  for,  at  the  expense  of  the  society." 
This  resolution  was  communicated  to  Mr.  Ashmun  in  Decem- 
ber, just  about  the  time  that  Dr.  Ayres  had  determined  to  sail 
for  the  United  States,  on  account  of  his  declining  health. 

The  vessel  which  had  arrived  from  America,  and  in  which 
Dr.  Ayres  intended  to  return  home,  brought  eleven  recaptured 
Africans,  sent  out  by  the  government,  who  were  speedily  re- 
stored to  their  friends,  residing  at  no  great  distance  from  the 
colony.  The  intelligence  brought  by  this  vessel,  of  the  affairs 
of  the  society,  was  by  no  means  encouraging.  Their  resources 
were  very  low;  so  that  a  bill  drawn  by  Mr.  Ashmun  for  arti- 
cles of  indispensable  necessity,  was  returned  protested.  She 
had  also  disposed  of  nearly  her  whole  cargo  at  Rio  Pongas, 
and  did  not  leave  goods  at  the  Cape,  exceeding  one  hundred 
dollars  in  value. 

Under  existing  circumstances,  it  became  a  serious  question 
with  Mr.  Ashmun,  whether,  treated  and  dishonoured  as  he 
had  been,  lie  should  now  continue  in  the  service  of  the  Board. 
They  had  neither  made  any  definite  arrangements  to  remune- 
rate him  for  his  past  services,  nor  made  any  definite  proposals 
for  his  future  support;  and  his  bills  drawn  for  the  necessary 
expenses  of  the  colony,  had  been  returned,  dishonoured.  Cer- 
tainly he  was  under  no  obligations  to  the  Board;  but  he  saw 
that  his  relinquishment  of  the  colony  now,  must  be  followed 
by  its  ruin.  The  colonists  were  in  a  state  of  much  discontent, 
in  consequence  of  the  manner  in  which  the  town  lots  had  been 
distributed;  and  their  confidence,  both  in  the  Board  and  their 
agents,  was  greatly  diminished.  Indeed,  evident  signs  of  in- 
subordination began  to  be  manifested.  One  individual  declared, 
that  neither  he  nor  his  associates  would  submit  to  government 
twenly-four  hours  after  the  Fidelity  sailed.  But  Mr.  Ashmun 
was  the  man  for  such  an  exigency.  He  declared  that  subordi- 
nation should  be  enforced,  even  at  the  expense  of  life;  and 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  209 

compelled  the  person  who  had  uttered  the  forementioned 
words,  to  revoke  the  threat,  and  pledge  himself  to  the  main- 
tenance of  the  laws.  Urged  by  the  necessities  of  the  colony, 
and  forgetting  or  passing  by  his  own  injuries,  he  resolved  to 
exert  himself  to  the  utmost  to  preserve  the  settlement  from 
ruin,  and  to  promote  its  best  interests. 

The  provisions,  when  Dr.  Ayres  left  the  colony,  were  suffi- 
cient, with  strict  economy,  to  last  four  months,  with  such  sup- 
plies as  might  be  expected  from  the  natives.  The  prospect 
however  was  not  flattering.  Many  slavers  were  on  the  coast, 
in  consequence  of  which,  the  price  of  rice  was  greatly  en- 
hanced; but  the  most  alarming  feature  in  the  condition  of  the 
colony  was,  that  several  of  the  leading  colonists  were  prepared 
to  set  at  defiance  the  authority  of  the  agent,  and  openly  avowed 
their  purpose,  to  aid  in  no  survey  of  the  lots,  or  in  any  public 
improvements;  and  to  leave  uncleared  and  uncultivated,  the 
land  which  had  been  assigned  them,  until  they  should  receive 
a  reply  to  the  remonstrance  sent  home  to  the  Board.  One  of 
the  regulations  of  the  society  was,  that  every  adult  male  emi- 
grant, should,  while  receiving  rations  from  the  public  store, 
contribute  the  labour  of  two  days  in  the  week,  to  some  work 
of  public  utility.  Before  Dr.  Ayres's  departure  it  had  been  an- 
nounced, that  on  the  5th  of  June,  1S24,  all  rations  would  cease, 
except  in  cases  of  special  necessity,  and  it  was  now  made 
known,  that  unless  those  who  had  appealed  to  the  Board  on  the 
subject  of  their  lands,  would  cultivate  some  portion  of  land 
designated  by  the  agent,  they  should  be  expelled  from  the 
colony.  About  twelve  of  the  colonists,  however,  persisted  in 
their  mutinous  course ;  and  not  only  threw  off  the  restraints  of 
authority  themselves,  but  used  their  influence  to  seduce  others 
form  obedience.  JNIr.  Ashmun,  who  was  not  the  man  to  be  in- 
timidated, or  driven  from  the  plain  course  of  duty,  immediately 
published  a  notice,  "  That  there  then  were  in  the  colony,  more 
than  a  dozen  healthy  persons,  who  will  receive  no  more  pro- 
visions out  of  the  public  store,  until  they  earn  them."  The 
only  effect  of  this  was,  to  increase  the  irritation  of  the  disaffected 
persons,  which  led  them  to  express  more  seditious  opinions,  ana 
more  openly  to  violate  the  laws.  Matters  were  now  approachino- 
a  crisis.  The  agent,  on  the  19th  of  June,  directed  the  rations 
of  the  offending  individuals  lo  be  stopped.  The  next  mornins-, 
they  assembled  in  a  riotous  manner,  at  the  agency-house  and 
18* 


210  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

endeavoured  by  angry  denunciations  to  drive  the  agent  from 
his  purpose ;  but  finding  him  immovable,  they  proceeded  to 
the  store-house,  where  the  commissary  was  at  that  moment 
issuing  rations  for  the  week;  and  seizing,  each,  a  portion  of 
the  provisions,  hastened  to  their  respective  homes. 

Towards  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  Mr.  Ashmun  ad- 
dressed a  "circular"  to  the  colonists,  setting  forth  the  crimi- 
nality of  this  mutinous  proceeding;  stating  that  a  full  represen- 
tation thereof,  would  be  transmitted  to  America,  by  the  earliest 
opportunity — exhorting  all  to  energy  and  industry  in  the  con- 
struction of  their  houses,  and  the  cultivation  of  their  lands, 
during  the  dry  season  :  and,  finally  warning  them  against  dis- 
order and  rebellion,  as  they  would  avoid  guilt,  confusion,  dis- 
grace, shame,  and  ruin  in  this  world,  and  in  a  future  one  the  still 
more  terrible  judgments  of  God.  They  were  reminded,  that 
their  oaths  were  as  binding  as  when  first  taken  ;  and  the  pros- 
pect for  themselves,  their  friends,  and  their  children  depended 
upon  their  conduct ;  and  that  the  agent,  while  disposed  to  use 
the  language  of  friendship,  would  act  as  he  had  ever  done,  with 
the  authority  becoming  the  representative  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society.  The  effect  of  this  judicious,  seasonable, 
and  solemn  address,  was  happy.  The  well-disposed  were  en- 
couraged ;  the  wavering  confirmed ;  and  the  rebellious  struck 
with  awe.  The  leader  in  the  sedition,  almost  immediately  con- 
fessed and  deplored  his  error.  And  thus  a  speedy  termination 
was  given  to  this  alarming  mutiny,  by  the  firmness,  and  wisdom 
of  the  agent. 

On  the  13th  of  February,  1824,  arrived  the  ship  Cyrus,  only 
thirty-two  days  from  the  United  States,  bringing  one  hundred 
and  five  emigrants,  mostly  from  Petersburg,  Virginia,  and  in- 
ferior as  a  company,  to  none  of  their  class,  in  intelligence, 
industry,  and  morality.  Universal  health  had  attended  them, 
during  the  voyage;  all  were  safely  landed;  some  had  property; 
supplies  of  ordinary  provisions  had  been  sent  out  for  all ;  the 
season  was  delightful  for  building  and  clearing  their  grounds ; 
and  a  mutual  affection  seemed  to  bind  them  together,  as  in  one 
harmonious  family.  Mr.  Ashmun  was  deeply  affected  with 
the  goodness  of  God  in  this  most  seasonable  relief. 

He  assembled  these  emigrants,  and  explained  to  them  the 
views  of  the  Society,  and  the  regulations  of  the  Board,  and  of 
the  colony.     They  were  exhorted  and  encouraged  to  proceed 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  211 

diligently  to  build  their  bouses,  cultivate  the  soil,  and  with  forti- 
tude to  meet  and  subdue  the  difficulties  which  might  stand  in 
the  way  of  their  prosperity.  Thirty  houses  had  been  partially 
constructed  since  the  departure  of  Dr.  Ayres ;  and  a  new  maga- 
zine was  also  commenced. 

By  the  return  of  the  Cyrus,  Mr.  Ashmun  communicated  to 
the  Board  a  full  and  detailed  account  of  the  affairs  of  the 
colony,  since  the  departure  of  Dr.  Ayres;  and  entered  into  an 
earnest  vindication  of  his  own  conduct,  in  relation  to  the 
purchases  which  he  had  made ;  the  bills  for  the  payment  of 
which,  had  been  protested.  This  defence,  as  far  as  can  be  now 
judged,  amounted  to  a  complete  justification. 

But  the  bright  prospects  which  the  arrival  of  the  Cyrus  had 
opened  to  the  colony,  were  soon  overcast,  by  a  series  of  dis- 
asters. The  whole  company,  which  had  come  out  in  the  Cyrus, 
without  any  exception,  were  attacked  by  the  fever.  No  regu- 
lar physician  was  in  the  colony ;  and  the  only  substitute  was 
the  Rev.  Lot  Cary,  whose  skill  resulted  entirely  from  his  good 
sense,  observation,  and  experience.  Not  a  pound  of  rice  (an 
article  most  important  to  the  sick,)  was  in  the  public  store:  nor 
had  the  agent  either  goods  or  credit,  by  which  he  could  obtain 
a  supply.  Out  of  his  own  private  stock,  however,  he  advanced 
to  the  value  of  two  hundred  dollars,  and  despatched  the  colonial 
schooner  to  Bassa,  which  at  the  end  of  nine  days,  returned 
with  only  twenty  bushels  of  rice. 

The  spirit  of  mutiny,  which  had  for  a  while  appeared  to  be 
subdued,  still  existed  ;  and  a  number  of  persons  continued 
secretly  to  fan  the  flame  of  rebellion. 

On  the  19th  of  March,  it  was  found  necessary  to  reduce  the 
rations  to  one-half  the  usual  quantity  ;  which  gave  occasion  to 
the  malecontents  to  accuse  the  agent  of  oppression,  and  they 
did  not  hesitate  to  address  to  him  the  most  opprobrious  language. 
This  induced  Mr.  Ashmun  to  assemble  the  inhabitants,  and  to 
make  to  them  a  solemn  and  affecting  address,  in  which  he 
showed  them  that  they  were  bound  by  a  solemn  contract  to  the 
Colonization  Society;  and  that  by  the  solemnity  of  an  oath, 
they  had  all  bound  themselves  to  the  performance  of  certain 
duties.  He  explained  to  them  the  articles  of  the  constitution, 
by  which  important  privileges  were  secured  to  them  and  their 
children — that  they  had  sworn  to  obey  the  government,  and 
not  attempt  to  overthrow  it — that  their  peace  and  security  de- 


212  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION, 

pended  essentially  on  their  submission  to  rightful  authority,  and 
obedience  to  the  laws  ; — and  that  hitherto,  their  greatest  suffer- 
ings had  resulted  from  disrespect  to  the  agents,  and  disobedience 
to  the  orders  of  the  society.  He  proceeded  then  in  the  most 
pungent  and  impressive  style  to  represent  to  them  the  disorderly 
course  which  they  had  pursued ;  and  especially,  held  up  in  its 
naked  deformity,  the  crime  of  those  twelve,  who  had  openly 
rebelled,  had  threatened  his  life,  and  had  violently  and  un- 
righteously seized  a  part  of  the  public  stores.  He,  moreover, 
set  fully  and  clearly  before  them  the  present  deplorable  con- 
dition of  the  colony,  and  the  speedy  ruin  which  must  inevitably 
come  upon  them,  if  they  did  not  return  to  a  course  of  industry 
and  obedience.  He  assured  them,  that  they  would  not  be  up- 
held either  by  the  Colonization  Society,  or  the  government  of 
the  United  States,  in  their  present  course  of  opposition  to  the 
agent.  In  the  conclusion,  he  called  upon  every  well-disposed 
man  to  give  him  a  pledge  of  his  submission  to  lawful  authority  ; 
and  promised  for  himself,  that  while  he  would  not  consent  to 
possess  the  mere  shadow  of  authority,  he  was  ready  to  exert 
himself  to  the  utmost,  to  avert  the  impending  calamity.  Most 
of  the  colonists  tacitly  assented  to  the  truth  and  justice  of 
this  address;  and  Mr.  Ashmun  proceeded  to  adopt  every 
measure  in  his  power  to  relieve  and  preserve  the  colony.  But 
they  afforded  him  no  vigorous  support ;  and  he  had  already 
communicated  to  the  Board  his  opinion,  "  that  the  evil  was  in- 
curable by  any  of  the  remedies  which  fell  within  their  existing 
provisions." 

Since  the  departure  of  Dr.  Ayres,  he  had  heard  nothing  from 
the  Board  of  Managers.  He  had  the  pain,  however,  of  seeing 
that  his  conduct  had  been  held  up  for  censure  in  one  of  the 
public  journals  of  the  United  States. 

The  prospects  were  such,  that  Mr.  Ashmun  began  to  medi- 
tate a  withdrawal  from  his  present  painful  situation,  where  for 
his  services  he  received  calumny  instead  of  remuneration.  He 
therefore,  on  the  15th  of  March,  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Board, 
desiring  to  be  released  from  any  further  duties  to  the  colony, 
which  might  require  his  residence  in  Africa.  His  letter  to  the 
Board,  on  this  occasion,  is  the  effusion  of  a  generous  and  bene- 
volent mind,  deeply  sensible  that  he  had  not  received  full  jus- 
tice at  their  hands  ;  but  expressing  a  confidence  in  the  equity 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  213 

of  their  decision,  when  they  should  be  fully  informed  of  all  the 
existing  circumstances  in  which  he  was  obliged  to  act. 

Being  fully  persuaded  that  government,  without  an  armed 
force,  had  become  impossible,  he  now  determined  on  a  visit  to 
the  Cape  de  Verd  Islands,  in  the  hope  that  a  sea  voyage  might 
be  serviceable  to  his  health  ;  and  being  unwilling  longer  to  hold 
an  office,  the  duties  of  which  he  had  not  the  power  to  enforce. 
Whether  he  should  ever  return  was  in  his  own  mind  doubtful; 
but  he  took  the  best  measures  he  could  to  establish  a  provision- 
al government  daring  the  absence  of  all  the  agents.  He  there- 
fore appointed  Elijah  Johnson  to  take  charge  of  the  property 
and  books  of  the  colony,  with  particular  instructions  as  to  his 
duties,  until  a  properly  authorized  agent  should  arrive  from  the 
United  States. 

In  his  fatiguing  exertions  to  prepare  for  his  departure,  Mr. 
Ashmun  ruptured  an  artery  in  the  mouth,  which  had  been  in- 
jured in  a  bungling  attempt  to  draw  a  decayed  tooth,  and  a 
profuse  bleeding  commenced  which  could  not  be  stopped.  Ad- 
vantage was  taken  of  his  helpless  state  by  some  unprincipled 
persons  in  the  colony,  to  rob  him  of  a  considerable  part  of  the 
little  stores  which  he  had  provided  for  the  voyage,  and  other 
property,  to  the  value  of  a  hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars. 
Before  leaving  the  Cape  he  left  a  paper,  to  be  delivered  to  his 
successor  in  the  agency  ;  of  which,  as  being  characteristic  of 
the  man,  an  extract  will  be  inserted. 

"J.  Ashmun  has  cheerfully  spent  on  this  Cape  nearly  two  of 
the  best  years  of  his  life.  He  is  now  about  to  leave  it,  probably 
for  ever.  He  has  tried  to  do  his  duty — detected  himself  in  occa- 
sional errors;  and  without  asking  or  expecting  any  recompense 
from  his  fellow-men,  wishes  only  to  avoid  the  hard  destiny  of 
his  predecessors  in  the  agency — the  curses  and  false  accusations 
of  those  whom  it  has  been  his  constant  aim  to  serve.  His  pre- 
decessors have  been  accused  of  transmitting  false  accounts  of 
the  colony  to  the  Board.  J.  Ashmun  here  leaves  it  on  record, 
that  if  any  man,  after  his  absence,  brings  this  accusation  against 
himself,  that  m.an  is  a  slanderer  and  a  liar." 

In  the  same  style,  the  paper  goes  on  to  speak  of  the  slanders 
against  former  agents  for  embezzling  public  property,  revelling 
on  the  society's  bounty,  and  pinching  the  people  to  furnish  their 
own  wardrobe  and  table  luxuriously.  All  such  accusations 
against  himself  he  denounces  as  false  and  slanderous ;  and  men- 


214  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

tions  one  man  by  his  initials,  who  had  deserved  the  pillory  for 
slandering  the  agents.  In  the  conclusion  he  says:  "I  do  not  wish 
to  be  remembered  at  all  after  I  am  gone.  But  if  any  of  the 
colonists  do  me  that  honour,  as  it  is  unsolicited  and  gratuitous, 
I  require  it  of  them,  as  they  must  answer  for  it  hereafter,  to  re- 
member with  me  the  command  of  the  Most  High, '  Thou  shalt 
not  bear  false  witness  against  thy  neighbour.'  "  And  he  re- 
quests his  successor  to  preserve  this  paper,  and  read  it  to  any 
one  who  should  accuse  him  in  the  premises. 

Of  Mr.  Ashmun's  retirement  from  the  duties  of  general 
agent,  which  had  devolved  upon  him  after  the  departure  of  Dr. 
Ayres,  the  Board  speak  in  the  following  respectful  terms: 

"  Mr.  Ashmun,  whose  health  had  long  been  impaired  by  dis- 
ease— whose  mind  was  oppressed  by  a  weight  of  cares,  which 
no  single  individual  ought  to  sustain — continued  to  discharge 
his  duties  until  a  short  retirement  from  his  station,  and  a  change 
of  air,  seemed  to  offer  the  only  chance  of  life." 

For  the  benefit  of  any  one  who  might  succeed  him,  he  left  a 
full  statement  of  the  condition  and  necessities  of  the  colony; 
appointed  E.  Johnson,  a  man  of  tried  integrity  and  ability,  ge- 
neral superintendent  of  affairs  ;  provided  for  the  instruction  of 
the  recaptured  Africans;  and  took  passage  for  the  Capede  Verd 
Islands  on  the  2d  of  April,  1824. 

The  remonstrances  sent  home  by  some  of  the  colonists,  and 
the  communications  of  Mr.  Ashmun,  had  convinced  the  Board 
that  immediate  and  strong  measures  were  required,  in  order  to 
prevent  the  subversion  of  the  colony,  and  the  total  extinction  of 
their  hopes.  And  being  struck  with  the  lucid,  manly,  and  can- 
did style  of  his  communications,  they  were  persuaded  that  his 
indefatigable  labours  and  anxieties  deserved  to  be  remunerated  ; 
therefore,  just  about  the  time  of  his  leaving  the  colony  the  Board 
resolved  to  comply  with  the  terms  which  he  had  offered,  and  sent 
home  in  Dr.  Ayres's  letter,  and  they  now  appropriated  five  hun- 
dred dollars  for  his  benefit.  They  also  gave  their  sanction  to  a 
reply  to  the  remonstrants,  and  an  address  to  the  colonists  in  ge- 
neral, depicting  vividly  the  ruin  which  must  ensue  in  any  com- 
munity that  dared  to  violate,  or  even  ceased  to  venerate,  the 
majesty  of  the  law  ;  but  especially  a  feeble  and  exposed  settle- 
ment,, such  as  that  to  which  they  belonged.  They  earnestly 
exhorted  them  to  industry,  order,  and  the  strict  performance  of 
every  duty,  by  warnings,  appeals,  motives  of  interest,  and  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  215 

solemn  sanctions  of  religion ;  and  finally,  did  not  omit  to  threaten 
to  punish  offenders,  while  they  would  assist  and  encourage  all 
the  sober  and  virtuous  who  should  exert  themselves  to  maintain 
the  peace,  and  guard  the  authority  of  the  laws.  This  address 
was  chiefly  prepared  by  Elias  B.  Caldwell,  Esq.,  the  Secretary 
of  the  Society,  and  one  of  the  most  early  and  efficient  friends  of 
colonization. 

But  scarcely  had  these  despatches  been  sent  off,  when  the 
Board  received  new  communications  from  the  colony,  in  which 
Mr.  Ashmun  was  charged  with  oppression,  neglect  of  duty,  and 
carrying  away  the  goods  of  the  Society.  Certain  naval  officers 
also,  who  had  visited  the  Cape  after  Mr.  Ashmun's  departure, 
had  their  minds  prejudiced  by  the  rumours  which  they  heard 
from  the  colonists,  and  therefore  brought  home  an  unfavourable 
report  of  the  agent.  Those  who  had  before  doubted  the  inte- 
grity of  Mr.  Ashmun,  now  thought  it  certain  that  he  had  none; 
and  those  who  had  never  questioned  it  before,  now  began  to 
doubt. 

In  this  uncertain  and  alarming  state  of  affairs,  the  Managers 
of  the  Society  represented  strongly  to  the  Executive  of  the 
United  States  the  importance  of  sending  an  armed  vessel  to  the 
colony,  with  some  individual  duly  commissioned  both  by  the 
Government  and  the  Society  to  examine  into  the  condition  of 
the  agency  ;  and  to  make  such  temporary  arrangements  as  the 
exigence  of  the  case  required.  The  person  selected  for  this 
service  was  Mr.  R.  R.  Gurley,  so  extensively  known  since  as 
the  Secretary  of  the  Board ;  and  without  incurring  the  censure 
of  invidiousness  towards  others,  we  may  be  permitted  to  say, 
the  most  active,  zealous,  and  efficient  friend  of  colonization  in 
the  United  States. 

Towards  the  last  of  June,  1824,  Mr.  Gurley  embarked  on 
board  the  Porpoise,  at  Norfolk,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Skinner ;  and  on  the  24th  of  July,  the  vessel  having  anchored 
at  Porto  Praya,  Mr.  Ashmun  came  on  board.  The  first  im- 
pressions of  Mr.  Gurley  upon  seeing  him  are  thus  described : 

"  There  was  that  in  his  presence  and  aspect  which,  once 
seen,  is  never  forgotten.  The  officers  of  the  ship,  who  were 
strangers  to  him,  felt  that  he  w'as  an  extraordinary  man.  In 
his  whole  appearance  were  blended  dignity  and  humility.  The 
serene  light  of  reason,  of  goodness,  of  meekness,  softened  the 
stateliness  of  sorrow,  and  threw  a  charm  on  the  grandeur  of  his 


216  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Storm-shaken,  but  self-sustained  spirit.  His  soul  seemed  re- 
freshed by  tidings  from  his  native  land,  and  his  social  affections 
to  gush  forth,  pure  and  simple,  as  those  of  childhood,  from  the 
deeply-stirred  fountains  of  his  heart." 

Mr.  Gurley  explained  to  him  the  object  of  his  mission,  and 
informed  him  truly  of  the  unfavourable  impression  made  on  the 
public  mind  respecting  his  agency.  His  purpose  was  sooii 
formed  to  accompany  Mr.  Gurley  to  Africa,  expressing  the  hope 
that  he  might  be  "enabled  to  render  him  some  aid  in  the  ardu- 
ous duties  of  his  mission." 

Captain  Skinner  having  offered  him  accommodations  on 
board  the  Porpoise,  which  he  accepted,  they  came  to  anchor  at 
Cape  Mesurado  on  the  13th  of  August.  It  must  have  been 
of  unspeakable  benefit  to  Mr.  Gurley,  in  the  execution  of  his 
trust,  to  have  Mr.  Ashmun's  company  for  three  weeks;  by 
which  means  he  was  enabled  to  acquire  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  the  state  of  affairs,  the  temper  of  the  people,  and  the  difficul- 
ties with  which  he  would  have  to  contend. 

Every  day's  conversation  increased  Mr.  Gurley's  esteem  for 
his  companion;  and  after  his  arrival  he  found  that  there  was 
not  a  shadow  of  evidence  to  convict  him  of  any  impropriety  or 
mismanagement.  Not  a  man  in  the  colony  dared  to  accuse  him 
of  an  unwise  or  an  unworthy  action. 

Mr.  Gurley  found  some  things  encouraging  in  the  state  of 
the  colony;  and  many  others  of  an  unfavourable  nature. 
Among  the  former  were  the  health  of  most  of  the  people — their 
improvements  and  fortifications — their  morality  and  religion, 
especially  their  Sunday  schools — and  the  warm  gratitude  which 
they  appeared  to  feel  towards  the  Board  for  sending  a  special 
mission  to  promote  their  prosperity.  But  of  the  latter,  were 
their  dissatisfaction  at  the  decision  of  the  Board — the  protracted 
weakness  of  the  emigrants  by  the  Cyrus,  and  the  want  of  medi- 
cines and  a  skilful  physician  ;  and,  above  all,  the  want  of  strict 
subordination  to  authority,  and  obedience  to  the  laws.  The 
causes  of  these  evils  were  seen  to  be  various ;  but  it  does  not 
comport  with  the  brevity  of  our  history  to  enter  into  details. 

While  Mr.  Gurley  remained  at  the  Cape,  a  plan  for  the  more 
perfect  government  of  the  colony  was  determined  on,  with  the 
full  concurrence  of  Mr.  Ashmun.  Harmony  between  the  agent 
and  colonists  seemed  to  be  fully  restored;  and  the  new  regula- 
tions went  immediately  into  force.     It  was  not  the  purpose  of 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  217 

Mr.  Gurley  to  continue  long  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  at  this  sea- 
son ;  and  before  he  left  Washington  he  had  received  his  orders 
to  return  in  the  vessel  which  carried  him  out. 

When  he  returned  to  the  United  States  he  fully  expected  to 
be  able  to  remove  every  cloud  of  doubt  or  suspicion  which  still 
shaded  Mr.  Ashmun's  character;  but,  to  his  disappointment, 
he  found  that  this  was  not  so  easily  effected  as  he  had  appre- 
hended. And  when  the  regulations  adopted  by  him  for  the 
government  of  the  colony  were  laid  before  the  Board,  to  his 
great  mortification  he  found  that  they  were  not  approved. 

The  committee  to  whom  these  proceedings  were  referred  ar- 
ranged them,  in  their  report,  under  six  heads  :  upon  each  they 
pronounced  an  unfavourable  judgment ;  and  this  report,  adopt- 
ed by  the  Board,  was  sent  to  Mr.  Ashmun. 

But  on  the  15th  of  December,  1824,  communications  of  a 
very  cheering  kind  were  received  by  the  Board,  from  Mr. 
Ashmun.  These  furnished,  at  the  same  time,  conclusive  evi- 
dence of  the  zeal,  ability,  and  industry  of  the  agent;  and  of 
the  great,  and  even  extraordinary,  improvement  of  the  colony. 
His  own  account  is:  "After  the  severe  struggles,  reiterated 
disappointments  and  nameless  evils,  which  had  for  so  many 
years  filled  the  annals  of  the  establishment,  to  see  the  whole 
course  of  things  suddenly  reversed, — a  horizon  without  a 
cloud, — and  unmingled,  uninterrupted  prosperity,  such  as,  per- 
haps, never  before  marked  the  early  progress  of  a  similar  set- 
tlement, may  well  excite  in  an  individual  situated  as  I  am, 
feelings  but  little  compatible  with  the  coolness  which  ought  to 
dictate  an  official  despatch." — "The  official  decisions  conmiu- 
nicated  to  them,  along  with  the  new  modification  of  the  gov- 
ernment^  were  received  with  an  unanimity  of  acquiescence, 
which  I  confess  was  painful  to  me.  I  feared  either  that  they 
could  not  understand  them,  or  thought  opposition  at  that 
moment,  unseasonable.  But  the  event  has  proved  my  fears 
unfounded;  and  I  now  consider  myself  authorized  to  state,  that 
there  is  an  enlightened  and  growing  attachment  rooted  in  the 
bosoms  of  the  great  body  of  the  people,  to  their  laws,  their 
officers,  and  the  authority  of  the  society.  The  participation  of 
the  magistrates  and  council  (according  to  the  new  form  of  gov- 
ernment,) in  the  deliberations  of  the  agent,  and  the  administra- 
tion of  justice,  has  tended  chiefly  to  form  the  officers  themselves 
to  a  modesty  of  deportment  and  opinion,  which  they  never 
19 


218  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

manifested  before,  and  to  secure  to  the  government  the  united 
support  of  the  people." — "I  witness  with  the  higliest  pleasure, 
the  increasing  sense  of  the  sacredness  of  law  ;  and,  as  far  as  I 
know,  the  feehng  is  universal.  The  system  of  government  has 
proved  itself  practicable." — "The  agent  has  adopted  the  rule, 
never  to  interpose  his  authority,  where  that  of.  the  proper  offi- 
cer, however  inferior,  is  adequate  to  the  emergency."  And 
among  all  the  items  of  pleasing  intelligence  communicated  in 
this  letter  of  the  agent,  none  was  so  important  as  the  last — 
an  increased  attention  to  religion  among  the  colonists.  "It 
hath,"  says  he,  "pleased  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ,  in  the  sovereignty  of  his  mercy,  to  visit  the  colony 
with  an  abundant  effusion  of  his  Spirit.  This  great  event,  an 
era  in  the  history  of  the  settlement,  which  has  been  marked  in 
heaven,  and  will  long  be  celebrated  by  its  witnesses  and  mon- 
uments on  earth,  occurred  in  all  the  month  of  September. 
About  the  middle  of  that  month,  were  witnessed  the  first  ap- 
pearances which  gave  evidence  of  the  holy  work." — "About 
thirty  of  our  colonists,  of  all  ages  and  characters  indiscrimi- 
nately, have,  as  the  fruits  of  the  work,  publicly  professed  their 
faith  in  the  Redeemer.  They  have  so  far  walked  as  the  regen- 
erate children  of  God.  A  change  in  their  character  and  whole 
deportment,  was  as  obvious  as  would  be  their  transformation 
to  another  order  of  being.  From  lovers  of  sin  and  the  world, 
they  have  become  lovers  of  God  and  his  people.  Bad  hus- 
bands, wives,  children,  and  subjects,  are  changed  to  affectionate 
relatives,  industrious,  sober,  and  useful  citizens.  As  far  as 
mortal  instrumentality  was  concerned  in  this  blessed  work,  it 
was  exerted  by  silent,  humble  supplications  to  Almighty  God, 
a  holy  deportment  of  Christian  professors,  and  a  plain,  simple 
and  serious  inculcation  of  the  saving  doctrines  of  Christ  and  his 
apostles." 

These  despatches  also  gave  information  of  the  rapid  progress 
of  public  improvements  in  the  colony,  and  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  militia.  A  stone  pier,  one  hundred  feet  in  length, 
had  been  constructed  in  the  river;  several  schools  had  been 
put  in  operation;  and  two  new  churches  were  in  progress. 
Friendly  negotiations  had  been  entered  into  with  the  chiefs  of 
the  tribes  in  the  vicinity,  to  encourage  mutual  intercourse  in  the 
way  of  trade,  and  by  which  they  agreed  to  surrender  any  fu- 
gitives from  justice,  who  might  seek  refuge  among  them. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  219 

The  committee  of  the  Board,  to  whom  these  despatches 
were  referred,  reported :  "  That  in  their  opinion  Mr.  Ashmun 
had  shown  great  attention  to  the  important  charge  committed 
to  him ;"  had  conducted  himself  with  "  much  prudence  and 
propriety,  generally :"  and  recommended  that  the  Society 
should  express  their  cordial  approbation  of  his  conduct. 

After  this,  the  clouds  which  had  overshadowed  Mr.  Ash- 
mun's  character  began  to  break ;  and  it  must  have  afforded  a 
rare  gratification  to  Mr.  Gurley  to  find,  that  the  new  form  of  go- 
vernment which  he,  with  Mr.  Ashmun,  had  given  to  the  colony, 
and  which  had  met  with  so  little  favour  from  the  Board,  proved 
in  practice  to  work  well.  Men,  however  intelligent  and  up- 
right, who  undertake  to  judge  of  the  state  of  a  people  among 
whom  they  have  never  been,  and  to  determine,  on  general 
principles,  what  system  of  government  is  best  adapted  to  them, 
are  almost  sure  to  err.  After  two  years'  experience  of  the  diffi- 
culties of  governing  the  colony,  Mr.  Ashmun  knew  better  what 
might  and  ought  to  be  done  to  restore  peace  and  preserve  or- 
der, than  all  the  wisest  politicians  in  the  United  States.  He 
had  the  enlarged  views  of  a  thorough  statesman ;  and  the  de- 
vout feelings  of  an  humble  and  sincere  Christian.  Doubtless, 
Mr.  Gurley,  though  specially  invested  with  the  power  of  esta- 
blishing such  regulations  as  he  judged  most  expedient,  did  not 
fail  to  avail  himself  of  the  longer  experience  and  sagacious 
judgment  of  Mr.  Ashmun.  Indeed,  it  has  occurred  to  us,  that 
when  this  fabric  of  colonization  is  complete,  the  foundation  of 
which  has  been  so  auspiciously  laid,  though  in  the  midst  of 
troubles,  these  two  congenial  spirits,  Ashmun  and  Gurley, 
should  have  assigned  to  them  niches,  side  by  side. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

ASHMUN'S  ADMINISTRATION  CONTINUED. 

On  the  13th  of  March,  1825,  the  brig  Hunter,  with  sixty-six 
emigrants,  arrived  at  the  Cape.  Most  of  these  had  been  brought 
up  to  agriculture ;  and  now  it  was  seen  by  Mr.  Ashmun  that 


220  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

there  would  be  a  great  convenience  and  advantage  in  having 
an  addition  to  the  territory  of  the  colony.  He  therefore  enter- 
ed into  negotiations  with  the  chiefs  who  owned  the  land,  for  a 
tract  on  the  river  St.  Paul's.  This  was  more  especially  deemed 
expedient,  because  he  had  observed  that  the  attempts  at  agri- 
culture had  failed,  because  the  land  belonging  to  the  colony 
was  not  favourable  to  cultivation  :  it  was  either  too  high  and 
rocky,  or  too  low  and  wet;  or  otherwise  mere  sand.  The 
agent,  to  obtain  a  good  tract  of  land,  proceeded  far  up  the  Me- 
surado  river ;  but  was  disappointed  in  finding  such  as  he  wish- 
ed. He  therefore  turned  his  attention  to  St.  Paul's  river.  The 
tract  of  country  stretching  along  the  south  bank  of  this  river 
met  his  views  fully ;  and  after  a  variety  of  delays,  always  inci- 
dent to  negotiation  with  the  natives,  he  obtained  a  cession  of 
the  whole  territory  in  question,  and  paid  down  part  of  the  pur- 
chase money.  This  desirable  tract  of  country  Mr.  Ashmun  re- 
presents as  having  been  once  densely  populated,  and  well  im- 
proved, but  has  been  desolated  by  the  slave  trade.  The  deed 
of  purchase  includes  all  the  territory  bounded  north  by  St. 
Paul's  river,  and  west  by  Stockton  creek  ;  except  such  scatter- 
ed settlements  as  are  now  actually  in  the  possession  of  the  na- 
tives. 

The  importance  of  this  acquisition  the  agent  considered  very 
great ;  the  advantages  of  which  he  explained  to  the  Board  in 
a  long  communication  on  the  subject.  "  It  will,"  says  he,  "en- 
able the  Society  to  dispose  of  ten  thousand  settlers  in  a  compass 
of  ten  miles  from  town  :  whereas,  with  the  original  territory, 
that  number  could  not  be  comfortably  settled  within  twenty 
miles ;  and  the  settlement  will  be  capable  of  an  extension  of 
twenty  miles,  without  leaving  the  St.  Paul's,  or  big  eastern 
branch  of  Mesurado,  more  than  three  miles. 

"  This  acquisition  of  territory  will  secure  to  the  colony,  in  a 
short  time,  the  entire  command  of  the  St.  Paul's,  and  with  it 
the  trade  of  that  river. 

"  The  country  on  St.  Paul's  being  much  more  salubrious  than 
the  Mesurado,  future  emigrants  will  suffer  less  in  their  health." 

Some  ferment  was  produced  by  the  dissatisfaction  of  some 
of  the  chiefs,  who  violently  remonstrated  against  the  sale  of  so 
large  a  tract  of  country  ;  but  the  whole  subsided  without  seri- 
ous consequences. 

Immediately,  a  number  of  families  were  designated  to  lay  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  221 

foundation  of  a  new  settlement,  to  be  named  St.  Paul's  ;  and 
a  large  passage-boat  was  soon  placed  on  the  river,  to  ply  be- 
tween the  Cape  and  St.  Paul's.  And  on  the  13th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1825,  the  agent  accompanied  the  first  settlers  who  com- 
menced the  town  of  St.  Paul's.  They  hired  from  the  natives 
two  small  houses,  until  they  could  provide  shelter  for  them- 
selves. "  Such,"  says  Mr.  Ashmun,  "  are  the  small  beginnings 
of  this  settlement.  The  blessing  of  God  Almighty,  in  whose 
name,  and  for  whose  praise,  those  beginnings  have  been  made, 
and  are  humbly  consecrated,  alone  can  raise  its  head  to  the  ele- 
vation which  it  is  the  prayer  of  the  agent — who  makes  this  re- 
cord, seated  on  a  bamboo  pallet,  in  a  solitary  native  cabin,  on 
the  margin  of  St.  Paul's — that  it  may  attain  at  no  great  distance 
of  time." 

By  the  Hunter,  the  decision  of  the  Board  respecting  the  new 
form  of  government,  and  new  regulations,  was  received.  It 
threw  a  momentary  damp  on  the  agent's  hopes ;  but  being 
fully  persuaded  that  they  had  acted  under  imperfect  informa- 
tion of  the  state  of  things,  he  sent  them  by  the  return  of  the 
Hunter  a  full  view  of  the  present  state  and  prospects  of  the 
colony.  He  also  informed  them  how  well  the  new  system  had 
operated  in  practice,  and  of  the  great  increase  of  his  own  con- 
fidence in  its  full  and  ultimate  success. 

The  Board,  on  the  25th  of  April,  1825,  rescinded  their  former 
act,  disapproving  the  new  form  of  government ;  and  having  at 
a  former  meeting  appointed  Dr.  Peaco,  the  United  States' 
agent,  the  agent  of  the  Board  also,  they  now  reconsidered  and 
rescinded  that  act,  in  lieu  of  which  they  resolved,  "  That  Mr. 
Ashmun  be  appointed  colonial  agent  to  the  Society  ;  and  that 
Dr.  Peaco,  the  Government  agent,  be  authorized  and  requested 
on  his  arrival  in  the  colony,  to  assist  Mr.  Ashmun  with  his 
counsel;  and  fully  authorized  to  take  upon  him  all  the  duties 
of  colonial  agent,  in  the  absence,  inability,  or  death  of  Mr, 
Ashmun." 

This  places  Mr.  Ashmun's  relations  to  the  Board  in  their 
proper  light;  but  still  all  were  not  satisfied.  An  influential 
member  of  the  Board,  not  present  at  the  foregoing  proceedings, 
at  an  ensuing  meeting,  had  a  committee  appointed  to  investi- 
gate certain  charges  which  had  been  brought  against  Mr.  Ash- 
mun's character.  The  report  of  this  committee  was  highly  fa- 
vourable to  the  agent;  and  thus  the  last  cloud  which  oversha- 
19* 


222  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

dowed  the  character  of  this  distinguished  man  was  dissipated: 
and  his  friend  and  biographer  remarks  with  apparent  exulta- 
tion, "He    NOW  STANDS   ON   AN   EMINENCE    IN   CLEAR   DAY." 

Mr.  Ashmun  also  possessed  now  the  undivided  confidence  of 
the  colony,  whose  best  interests  he  endeavoured  assiduously  to 
promote  by  every  means  in  his  power. 

But  unclouded  days,  in  this  dark  world,  are  few.  The  emi- 
grants brought  to  Africa  by  the  ship  Hunter  were  nearly  all  at- 
tacked with  the  fever  during  the  first  month  of  their  residence; 
and  there  was  no  physician  to  attend  them,  for  even  Mr.  Lot 
Gary  was  laid  up  with  a  hurt.  In  these  painful  circumstances 
the  mind  of  Mr,  Ashmun  was  agitated  and  distressed;  but  the 
disease  did  not  prove  so  fatal  as  was  expected.  The  mortal- 
ity was  chiefly  confined  to  children. 

In  the  month  of  April,  1825,  he  made  an  accurate  survey  of 
the  territory,  and  drew  a  map  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  Board. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1825,  Mr.  Ashmun  prepared  and 
sent  to  the  Board,  a  very  full  and  detailed  account  of  the  state 
and  progress  of  the  colony.  Health  was  restored;  adults, 
some  time  resident  in  Africa,  preferred  this  climate  to  any  other, 
and  enjoyed  as  good  health  as  in  America.  The  government 
had  proved  efficient  and  popular;  the  laws  were  venerated 
and  obeyed ;  the  sentiments  of  the  people  had  been  purified 
and  elevated.  The  settlement  on  St.  Paul's  river,  opened  a 
pleasing  prospect  of  greater  prosperity  in  agriculture.  The 
colonists  are  represented  as  living  in  a  style  of  neatness  and 
comfort,  approaching,  in  many  instances,  to  elegance,  unknown 
before  their  arrival  in  this  country.  Not  a  family,  scarcely, 
but  could  set  a  plentiful  table,  and  appear  in  decent  apparel. 
Mechanics  and  labourers  received  an  ample  remuneration  for 
their  work,  and  all  found  as  much  employment  as  they  wished. 
Several  important  public  buildings  had  been  commenced,  some 
of  which  were  nearly  completed.  Two  beautiful  chapels  had 
been  erected,  and  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God.  Four 
schools,  besides  Sunday  schools,  were  in  successful  operation. 
The  militia  were  organized  and  exercised.  Moreover,  the 
good  effects  of  the  colony  on  the  native  tribes,  began  to  appear. 
Sixty  of  their  children  had  been  adopted,  as  the  children  of  the 
colony,  and  had  already  learned  something  of  the  great  and 
interesting  truths  of  the  Christian  religion.  "Our  influence 
over  them,"  said  Mr.  Ashmun,  "is  unbounded;  it  is  increas- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  223 

ing ;  it  is  more  extensive  than  at  this  early  period  I  dare  risk 
my  character  for  veracity  by  asserting." — "  No  man  of  the 
least  consideration  in  the  country,  will  desist  from  his  impor- 
tunities until  one,  at  least,  is  fixed  in  some  colonist's  family."  In 
this  communication,  he  called  loudly  on  the  philanthropists  of 
the  United  States,  to  come  forth  in  the  cause  of  education,  in 
relation  to  this  people,  so  solicitous  to  receive  instruction.  In 
the  close,  we  have  his  views  of  the  work  achieved  by  the  Col- 
onization Society.  "To  the  lasting  honour,"  says  he,  "of  the 
American  Colonization  Society,  it  has  founded  a  new  empire 
on  this  continent,  of  which  the  basis  is  Christianity,  intelhgence, 
and  rational  liberty." — "The  society  has  demonstrated  to  the 
world,  experimentally,  the  soundness  of  the  views  with  which 
they  appeared  before  it  in  1817-18,  without  funds,  patronage, 
or  a  precedent  in  the  annals  of  the  human  race." 

The  year  1826  opened  on  the  colony  under  very  favourable 
auspices.  Mr.  Ashmun,  in  writing  to  the  Board,  says:  "Our 
town  begins  to  assume  the  appearance  of  a  beautiful  little  West 
India  sea-port,  and  certainly  is  one  of  the  most  delightful  situ- 
ations on  the  face  of  the  globe.  In  beauty,  and  grandeur  of 
prospect,  no  station  can  be  taken  on  the  Potomac,  half  so 
charming,  or  half  so  commanding." 

The  Board  were  contemplating  the  appointment  of  a  Board 
of  Assistants,  as  they  had  already  a  constitutional  rule  for  the 
appointment  of  a  Board  of  Agents.  Mr.  Ashmun  freely  ex- 
pressed his  opinion,  as  being  entirely  adverse  to  both  these 
Boards.  In  regard  to  the  latter,  it  had  been  tried,  and  had 
utterly  failed.  He  insisted  on  the  vast  importance,  in  a  colony 
like  that,  of  having  one  directing  head ;  and  predicted,  that  if 
the  Board  of  Agents  should  be  restored,  the  anarchy  of  former 
years  would  return. 

Two  expeditions  were  fitted  out  this  year.  The  first,  con- 
sisting of  thirty-four  emigrants,  in  the  brig  Vine,  mostly  from 
Newport,  Rhode  Island.  Eighteen  of  these,  before  their  depart- 
ure, were  organized  into  a  church.  The  Rev.  Calvin  Holton, 
as  missionary,  and  a  printer,  accompanied  them.  The  Rev. 
Horace  Sessions  went  out  also  in  the  same  vessel,  intending  to 
return  in  her. 

The  Vine  sailed  from  Boston  on  the  fourth  of  January,  and 
arrived  at  Liberia  on  the  seventh  of  February.  A  press,  with 
its  necessary  appendages,  many  valuable  books,  and  other 


224  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

important  articles,  were  sent  out  in  this  vessel  by  the  generous 
citizens  of  Boston,  who  assumed  the  entire  expense  of  printing 
for  the  first  year. 

The  other  vessel  was  the  Indian  Chief,  which  with  a  hun- 
dred and  fifty-four  emigrants,  left  Norfolk  on  the  fifteenth  of 
February,  and  reached  Monrovia  on  the  twenty-second  of 
March.  In  this  went  Dr.  John  W.  Peaco,  agent  for  the  Gov- 
ernment for  recaptured  Africans,  who  was  also  empowered  to 
act  as  Assistant  Agent  and  Physician  for  the  colony.  By  the 
return  of  the  Vine,  Mr.  Ashmun  expressed  the  high  sense 
which  he  entertained,  of  the  importance  of  the  printing  press, 
and  also  of  the  arrival  of  snch  a  missionary  as  Mr.  Holton, 
who  was  about  to  introduce  a  general  system  for  the  education 
of  the  colonists.  This  plan  embraced,  (1,)  the  children  of  the 
colonists;  (2,)  native  children,  living  in  the  settlement;  (3,)  re- 
captured Africans,  of  whom  there  were  one  hundred  and 
twenty;  (4,)  a  class  of  young  men  and  women,  with  a  view 
to  prepare  them  to  be  teachers.  It  was  also  determined  to 
introduce  the  Lancasterian  plan  of  instruction.  Mr.  Holston 
was  a  member  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  and  went  out 
under  the  direction  of  the  Baptist  Board  of  Missions.  Mr. 
Ashmun,  to  encourage  their  efforts,  made  to  it  a  grant  (sub- 
ject to  the  decision  of  the  Board,)  of  a  tract  of  land  adjoining 
to  Monrovia,  on  the  condition,  that  a  school-house  should  be 
erected  on  it  immediately,  and  that  it  should  for  ever  be  devo- 
ted to  missionary  purposes. 

In  the  mysterious  dispensations  of  Providence,  the  joy  which 
pervaded  the  colony  on  the  arrival  of  the  Vine,  was  converted 
into  sorrow  and  lamentation.  These  emigrants  were  attacked 
with  the  worst  forai  of  the  African  fever,  and  one  half  of  them, 
including  Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Holton,  and  Mr.  Force  the  print- 
er, were  carried  off  by  the  disease! 

The  Rev.  Horace  Sessions  demands  a  particular  mention 
in  this  history.  He  had  but  just  entered  on  the  public  duties 
of  the  ministry;  and  as  an  agent,  had  done  much  to  arouse 
the  attention  of  New  England  to  the  subject  of  colonization. 
He  superintended  the  embarkation  of  the  emigrants  in  the 
Vine,  and  accompanied  them  to  Liberia,  but  had  no  intention 
of  remaining.  He  wished  to  obtain  such  knowledge  of  the 
colony  as  could  only  be  obtained  accurately,  by  a  visit  to  the 
place.     He  did  not  die  in  Monrovia,  but  on  the  passage  home, 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  225 

and  his  remains  sleep  in  the  same  ocean  with  those  of  the 
lamented  Mills. 

The  Rev.  INIr.  Helton  went  out  to  Africa,  under  the  influence 
of  that  divine  charity,  "which  seeketh  not  her  own."  For 
some  time  after  iiis  attack,  he  was  not  thought  to  be  in  danger. 
He  even  appeared  at  one  time  to  be  convalescent;  but  in  July, 
he  gradually  declined,  until  on  the  twenty-third  of  that  month, 
he  gently  expired.  "  His  spirit  was  uniformly  sustained  by  a 
steadfast  faith  in  the  promises  of  Christ,  to  whom  at  an  early 
stage  of  his  sickness,  he  had  resigned  himself  without  reserve; 
and  never  afterwards  appeared  to  admit  for  a  moment,  any 
distressing  anxiety  as  to  the  termination  of  his  afliiction." 

With  one  exception,  all  the  emigrants  by  the  Vine,  were 
natives  of  the  Northern  States,  or  had  long  resided  there;  and 
leaving  Boston  in  the  depth  of  winter,  they  arrived  at  Liberia 
in  the  very  hottest  season  of  the  whole  year. 

The  dilference  of  arriving  in  Africa  from  a  southern  climate 
and  from  a  northern,  could  not  have  been  more  manifest, 
than  in  the  case  of  the  emigrants  in  the  Vine,  and  the  larger 
number  in  the  Indian  Chief.  These  last  suffered  very  little, 
and  some  who  left  Virginia  in  bad  health,  found  themselves 
much  improved  by  the  voyage.  Most  of  the  emigrants  by  these 
two  vessels,  were  stationed  by  Mr.  Ashmun  on  the  territory 
recently  purchased,  of  which  mention  has  been  made  ;  so  that 
in  the  month  of  June,  there  were  thirty-three  plantations  on 
Stockton  Creek,  and  seventy-three  at  Caldwell. 

During  Mr.  Ashmun's  absence  from  the  agency-house,  with 
four  of  his  family,  at  the  anniversary  of  the  Liberia  Missionary 
Society,  the  house  was  struck  with  lightning,  and  the  house- 
keeper— the  only  person  at  home — instantly  killed.  This  was 
indeed  a  very  remarkable  interposition  of  providence,  to  pre- 
serve his  life.  While  some  vessels  were  in  port,  Mr.  Ashmun 
proposed  an  expedition  to  Trade  Town,  with  a  view  of  putting 
an  end  to  the  slave  trade,  carried  on  very  extensively,  at  that 
place.  This  expedition  was  successful,  and  a  number  of  slaves 
were  found  in  the  place. 

During  the  year  lS26,the  commerce  of  the  colony  had  rapidly 
increased:  between  the  1st  of  January,  and  the  15th  of  July, 
fifteen  vessels  had  stopped  at  Monrovia.  Five  of  the  most  im- 
portant stations  on  the  coast,  between  Cape  Mount  and  Trade 
Town,  were  occupied  by  the  colony,  either  by  purchase,  or  by 


226  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

agreement  to  be  used  by  them,  on  deeds  of  perpetual  lease. 
This  includes  an  extent  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  The 
country  at  the  mouth  of  the  Sesters  river,  which  is  very  fertile, 
and  abounding  in  palm  oil,  and  camwood,  and  extending  up 
the  river  to  its  source,  was  obtained.  Also  the  right  of  occu- 
pancy to  a  tract,  nine  miles  south  of  Sesters,  was  secured.  Be- 
sides, a  perpetual  grant,  rent  free,  had  been  secured  of  an  inde- 
pendent territory,  lying  between  the  two  Junk  rivers,  from 
thirty  to  forty  miles  south  of  Cape  Mesurado.  Mr.  Ashmun 
regarded  this  as  a  very  important  acquisition. 

The  confidence  in  Mr.  Ashmun,  by  the  natives,  increased 
daily ;  so  that  they  began  to  give  him  the  title  of  "  Head-man 
of  all  their  country,"  and  "  father  of  we  all." 

In  one  of  his  letters  to  the  Board,  in  this  year,  (1826)  he  says: 
"  All  this  region  of  Africa  opens  its  bosom  for  the  reception 
of  her  returning  children.  I  rejoice  in  the  testimonials  furnished 
in  different  ways,  of  a  growing  and  enlightened  interest  in  your 
Board,  among  the  American  people.  It  is  one  of  those  great 
and  benevolent  designs  on  which  the  merciful  Father  of  all 
mankind  loves  to  smile,  which  the  American  Colonization 
Society  has  undertaken.  Its  root  is  deep,  and  its  growth,  how- 
ever gradual,  I  entirely  believe,  will  be  sure.  But  the  greatest 
difficulties,  for  difficulties  the  cause  has  always  struggled  with, 
I  never  supposed  to  be  on  this  side  the  ocean.  To  obviate  pre- 
judices, unite  the  exertions,  and  secure  the  enterprise  of  the 
■whole  American  people — this  is  the  great  labour  ;  and  to  such 
as  engage  in  it  and  prosecute  it,  will  be  chiefly  due  the  ac- 
knowledgments of  posterity." 

The  colony  had  now  risen  from  weakness  to  strength;  and 
many  who  had  been  incredulous,  now  began  to  change  their 
opinion,  and  to  admit  that  the  scheme  of  colonizing  the  free 
people  of  colour  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  was  practicable.  And 
as  to  Mr.  Ashmun,  his  reputation,  both  in  Africa,  and  among 
the  friends  of  colonization  in  America,  was  as  high  as  it  well 
could  be. 

On  the  1 1th  of  April,  1827,  arrived  at  Monrovia,  after  a  pass- 
age of  forty  days,  the  Brig  Doris,  Captain  Mathews,  with 
ninety-three  emigrants,  most  of  them  from  North  Carolina. 
These,  like  those  who  went  out  in  the  Indian  Chief,  suffered 
but  slightly  from  the  climate,  and  at  an  early  day,  took  up  their 
residence  at  Caldwell,  on  the  St.  Paul's. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  227 

The  ship  Norfolk  sailed  from  Savannah,  on  the  10th  of  July, 
with  one  hundred  and  forty  recaptured  Africans,  and  arrived 
at  Liberia,  on  the  27th  of  August.  Of  this  whole  number, 
within  one  week  after  their  arrival,  not  more  than  twenty  re- 
mained an  expense  to  the  United  States.  They  were  taken  by 
the  older  settlers  into  their  families,  for  their  services  for  two  or 
three  years;  or  were  bound  out  for  a  reasonable  time;  or,  when 
adult,  hired  out  to  receive  equitable  wages,  at  the  year's  end. 
And  Mr.  Ashmun's  purpose  was,  as  soon  as  they  were  prepared 
for  it,  to  treat  them,  in  all  respects,  as  the  other  colonists. 

This  was  the  last  year  of  Mr.  Ashmun's  agency  for  the 
colony:  and  as  if  he  had  anticipated  that  his  time  was  short,  he 
appears  to  have  been  more  active  and  energetic  in  his  opera- 
tions, than  ever.  At  one  time,  he  had  fully  made  up  his  mind 
to  visit  the  United  States,  but  pressing  engagements  led  him  to 
relinquish  his  purpose  ;  yet  Providence  had  determined  that  his 
useful  labours  in  Africa,  should,  this  year,  be  brought  to  a  close. 
The  vschooner  of  the  colony  having  been  driven  on  shore,  in 
attempting  to  cross  the  bar,  was  seriously  injured.  Mr.  Ash- 
mun,  in  attempting  to  save  her,  exposed  himself  for  four  hours, 
and  thus  contracted  a  rheumatic  fever,  from  which,  however,  by 
the  skilful  prescription  of  Lot  Gary,  he  recovered  gradually;  but 
being  in  a  state  of  great  debility,  he  was  carried  on  board  a  ship 
going  to  Sierra  Leone,  that  he  might  enjoy  the  benefit  of  the  sea 
air.  After  his  return,  his  health  continued  to  be  feeble  ;  but  the 
business  of  his  agency  was  increasing  daily,  so  that  if  he  had 
been  in  perfect  health,  he  could  not  have  attended  to  all  the  con- 
cerns which  pressed  upon  him.  Indeed  it  is  evident  that  he 
sacrificed  his  valuable  life  to  the  interests  of  the  colony. 

Early  in  the  year,  1828,  he  made  a  fatiguing  visit  to  the  fac- 
tories south  of  Monrovia ;  and  on  his  return,  found  the  com- 
manders of  several  vessels  waiting  to  settle  concerns  of  business, 
and  hasten  their  departure.  The  same  evening  the  brig  Doris 
arrived  from  Baltimore,  with  one  himdred  and  seven  emigrants, 
principally  from  Maryland  ;  sixty-two  of  them  liberated  slaves. 
This  arrival  was  on  the  14th  of  January,  1828.  And  on  the 
17th  arrived  the  schooner  Randolph,  from  South  Carolina,  and 
twenty-six  slaves,  manumitted  by  a  single  individual.  And  on 
the  19th  of  February,  the  brig  Nautilus,  fifty-four  days  from 
Hampton  Roads,  with  one  hundred  and  sixty  emigrants  :  mostly 
from  the  lower  counties  of  North  Carolina.     There  were  now, 


228  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

at  one  time,  six  vessels  in  port,  requiring  the  attention  of  the 
agent.  In  regard  to  the  pressure  of  business,  Mr.  Ashmun 
says,  "  Such  an  accumulation  of  labour,  I  never  felt  before" — 
"  Days  and  nights  are  too  short."  And  in  addition,  he  had 
much  trouble  to  defend  the  colony  from  a  piratical,  and  strongly 
armed  Spanish  vessel,  in  which  service  he  was  much  exposed. 
He  was  also,  for  three  days  and  nights,  continually  engaged  in 
negotiation,  with  the  kings  in  the  vicinity,  which  terminated 
in  the  conclusion,  that  a  number  of  the  colonists  should  occupy, 
without  delay,  the  beautiful  tract  of  country  now  bearing  the 
honoured  names  of  Mills  and  Burgess.  This  was  succeeded 
by  a  laborious  session  of  court,  for  two  days.  Thus  he  was  occu- 
pied, until  on  the  5th  of  February,  he  was  seized  with  a  violent 
fever,  which  for  a  few  days  threatened  his  life  ;  but  his  recovery 
was  rapid.  Still,  however,  it  was  evident,  that  his  enfeebled 
constitution  must  sink  under  the  pressure  of  business  devolving 
on  him  at  the  colony ;  and  his  physician  informed  him  that  a 
visit  to  the  United  States  had  become  necessary  to  the  preserva- 
tion of  his  life,  and  the  restoration  of  his  health.  Accordingly 
he  embarked  on  board  the  Doris,  and  left  Africa  for  ever.  The 
passage  was  long,  forty-seven  days  to  St.  Bartholomew's,  in  the 
West  Indies,  during  which  time,  his  sufferings  were  nearly 
indescribable,  on  account  of  bodily  illness,  so  that  sometimes 
he  despaired  of  ever  seeing  land  again.  But  on  the  16th  of 
May  he  arrived  at  that  island,  but  was  unable  to  proceed 
farther. 

Upon  leaving  the  colony,  he  committed  all  the  weighty  con- 
cerns of  the  agency  to  Mr.  Lot  Gary,  already  mentioned,  as  a 
preacher  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  and  a  physician,  who  had 
become  skilful  by  experience,  combined  with  strong  good  sense. 
Mr.  Ashmun  arrived  at  New  Haven  on  the  10th  of  August. 
But  he  had  only  reached  his  native  land,  that  there  he  might 
breathe  his  last  breath,  and  there  have  his  mortal  part  deposited 
in  its  kindred  earth.  He  expired,  "gently,  and  in  a  moment," 
says  his  biographer,  on  the  25th  of  August,  1828.  During  his 
illness  his  mind  appears  to  have  been  calm,  and  much  occupied 
with  spiritual  and  eternal  concerns,  as  appears  by  the  devo- 
tional papers  written  about  this  time,  which  he  left  behind. 

Thus  fell  another  martyr  to  his  zeal  for  African  colonization. 
It  seems  to  be  the  order  of  Providence,  that  every  cause  of  real 
importance  should  be  established  and  rise  to  prosperity  only  by 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  229 

costly  sacrifices  of  human  life.  So  it  was  with  Christianity,  the 
best  of  all  causes ;  and  so  it  has  ever  been  with  the  cause  of 
civil  liberty.  Already  our  catalogue  of  martyrs  to  colonization 
is  large  for  the  time  : — Mills,  Bacon,  Andrus,  Sessions,  Holton, 
Ashmun. 

Before  concluding  this  chapter,  we  shall  introduce  some  par 
ticulars  which  were  omitted  in  the  preceding  narrative. 

Early  in  the  year  1827,  a  treaty  of  peace  was  concluded  be- 
tween the  colonial  agent  and  the  principal  chief  of  Trade  Town, 
by  which  the  parties  were  bound  mutually,  to  maintain  and 
encourage  friendly  intercourse  and  an  equitable  trade ;  and  to 
regard  as  inviolable,  the  persons  and  property  of  each  other. 

About  the  same  time,  the  factory  at  Young  Sesters  was  sus- 
pended, in  consequence  of  the  depredations  of  the  surrounding 
people;  and  especially  on  account  of  a  war  breaking  out  be- 
tween the  people  of  this  and  Trade  Town.  Mr.  Ashmun  spent 
three  days  in  endeavouring  to  reconcile  the  two  parties;  but  in. 
vain.  This  war,  however,  terminated  more  speedily  than  had 
been  anticipated,  and  to  the  advantage  of  Freeman,  the  princi- 
pal chief  of  Sesters. 

During  this  year  (1827)  Mr.  Ashmun  founded  an  infirmary 
for  invalids,  on  a  plan  which,  while  it  secured  to  the  aged,  in- 
firm, and  sick,  the  means  of  a  comfortable  subsistence,  good  at- 
tendance and  medical  aid,  provided  that  such  as  were  able  to 
do  anything  to  help  to  support  themselves  and  families,  should 
have  the  opportunity.  It  was  not  intended,  however,  for  emi- 
grants, suffering  merely  by  a  change  of  climate. 

The  whole  system  of  schools  which  had  been  suspended  by 
the  death  of  Mr.  Holton,  was  re-organized  under  the  care  of  the 
Rev.  G.  McGill,  an  experienced  coloured  teacher,  from  Balti- 
more. The  schools  were  sufficiently  numerous  to  receive  all 
the  children  in  the  colony,  and  all  were  required  to  attend. 

The  best  method  of  providing  for  emigrants  on  their  first 
coming  out  to  Africa,  had  engaged  much  of  Mr.  Ashmun's  at- 
tention ;  and  the  result  of  his  thoughts  was,  that  to  purchase 
African  provisions  with  trade  goods  was  incomparably  the 
most  economical  course  that  could  be  adopted.  All  emigrants 
should  bring  their  tools  ;  but  those  who  came  unprovided  should 
be  supplied  with  them  at  the  expense  of  the  Society.  That  they 
should  be  provided  with  houses  for  a  reasonable  time ;  and 
while  on  the  sick  list  should  be  supported  at  the  public  expense. 
20 


230  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

It  was  stated  as  an  indisputable  fact,  that  the  aged  emigrants 
are  peculiarly  liable  to  fall  victims  to  the  African  climate.  Such, 
therefore,  should  not  be  encouraged  to  go  out,  as  they,  at  best, 
can  gain  little  by  emigration. 

Objects  of  public  utility  were  never  lost  sight  of  by  this  agent, 
and  he  exerted  himself  greatly  to  infuse  public  spirit  into  the 
minds  of  the  colonists ;  and  not  without  good  success.  A  com- 
pany was  formed  to  improve  the  navigation  of  the  river  Mesu- 
rado,  with  shares  amounting  to  one  thousand  dollars,  with  the 
privilege  of  increasing  the  stock  to  four  thousand. 

No  fact  connected  with  the  colony  is  more  pleasing  than  the 
orderly  and  industrious  behaviour  of  the  recaptured  Africans. 
Accustomed  to  the  climate,  and  acquainted  with  the  African 
methods  of  agriculture,  they  went  on  with  but  little  interruption 
in  the  improvement  of  their  grounds. 

In  the  month  of  December,  1829,  the  United  States  ship  of 
war  Ontario  touched  at  the  colony,  on  her  return  to  the  United 
States  from  the  Mediterranean.  Captain  Nicholson  had  had 
the  benevolent  forethought  to  collect  a  variety  of  seeds  on  the 
borders  of  the  Mediterranean,  which  he  presented  to  the  colo- 
ny, which  donation  was  gratefully  acknowledged  by  the  colo- 
nial agent.  When  Captain  Nicholson  arrived  in  the  United 
States,  he  gave  a  very  favourable  testimony  of  the  contentment 
and  general  industry  of  the  colonists.  Every  means  was  used 
to  encourage  the  pursuits  of  agriculture,  but  still  the  strong  in- 
clination of  the  colonists  was  more  to  commerce,  on  account  of 
the  speedy  returns  for  their  investments,  and  as  being  attended 
with  less  labour. 

At  this  time,  by  means  of  a  coasting  trade  with  the  schooner 
of  the  colony,  nearly  the  whole  expense  of  the  agency  of  the 
Board,  and  also  that  of  the  United  States,  had  been  defrayed. 
The  net  profits  of  this  trade,  during  the  year,  amounted  to  little 
less  than  five  thousand  dollars. 

Much  additional  territory,  of  great  value,  had  also  been  ob- 
tained during  the  last  years  of  Mr.  Ashmun's  agency  :  and  as 
many  as  eight  stations  had  been  so  far  secured  as  that  the 
colonial  government  had  the  privilege  of  founding  settlements 
at  these  points  ;  and  the  plan  of  the  agent  was,  to  open  a  farm 
at  each  of  these  stations. 

One  of  the  colonists  penetrated  one  hundred  and  forty  miles 
into  the  interior,  and  found  a  numerous  population,  industrious 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  231 

and  intelligent,  possessed  of  a  written  language,  with  some 
knowledge  of  agriculture  and  the  useful  arts,  and  sharing 
largely  in  the  comforts  and  enjoyments  of  social  life. 

Mr.  Ashmun  attributed  the  success  of  the  colony,  in  a  great 
degree,  to  the  Christian  religion;  the  good  effect  of  which  he 
had  heard  of  before,  but  had  never  seen  realized,  until  its  effects 
on  the  colony  of  Liberia  were  manifested. 

We  attempt  no  sketch  of  the  character  of  Mr.  Ashmun.  The 
actions  of  his  life,  and  his  success  in  sustaining  the  colony  of 
Liberia,  have  raised  for  him  a  monument  more  enduring  than 
brass  or  marble.  He  needs  no  sculptured  honours  to  preserve 
his  memory  from  oblivion.  As  long  as  the  colony  of  Liberia 
exists,  or  as  long  as  its  history  is  preserved,  the  name  of  Ash- 
mun will  be  famous.  And  when  this  infant  colony  shall  have 
grown  into  a  great  republic,  and  shall  have  diffused  the  lights 
of  religion  and  science  over  a  benighted  continent,  no  name 
will  be  more  honoured  than  that  of  Jehudi  Ashmun. 

The  Board  at  Washington,  were  so  impressed  with  convic- 
tion of  the  importance  of  Mr.  Ashmun's  services,  and  the  excel- 
lence of  his  character,  that  they  passed  a  resolution  to  have  a 
handsome  monument  erected  for  him  in  New  Haven,  where 
his  remains  were  deposited,  and  another  in  Monrovia,  the  scene 
of  his  incessant  labours. 

Although  we  approve  of  such  testimonies  of  respect  to  the 
real  benefactors  of  their  race — and  such,  undoubtedly,  was  Mr. 
Ashmun — yet  we  are  of  opinion,  that  Mr.  Gurley  has  erected  a 
more  valuable,  and  a  more  lasting  monument  to  his  friend,  by 
the  ample  Memoir  of  his  Life  with  which  he  has  favoured  the 
public.  We  sincerely  wish  it  were  in  our  power  to  turn  the 
attention  of  the  public  to  this  interesting  and  eloquent  perform- 
ance. It  has  not  yet  ascended  to  its  proper  level  among  the 
biographies  of  the  distinguished  philanthropists  of  the  age. 
And  we  take  this  opportunity  of  acknowledging  how  much  we 
have  been  indebted  to  this  work  in  compiling  this  History  of 
African  Colonization.  Indeed,  our  temptation  was  to  extract 
much  more  from  this  interesting  volume  than  would  have  been 
compatible  with  the  nature  of  this  work.  But  as  we  have  de- 
rived much  instruction  and  pleasure  from  Mr.  Gurley's  Life  of 
Ashmun  ourselves,  we  cannot  do  less  than  cordially  recom- 
mend it  to  all  our  readers.  Few  men  have  furnished  such  am- 
ple materials  for  biography  in  so  short  a  life;  and  few  could 


232  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

have  used  such  materials  more  skilfully  than  the  author — than 
whom  no  one  l)as  more  imperious  claims  on  the  respect  of  the 
friends  of  this  noble  and  benevolent  enterprise. 

We  shall  conclude  this  chapter  by  noticing  several  things 
relating  to  the  society  at  home,  which  were  omitted  for  the 
sake  of  preserving  the  thread  of  the  narrative  of  Ashmun's 
administration  uninterrupted. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  American  Colonization  Society, 
in  February,  1S24,  General  Robert  Goodloe  Harper,  a  gentleman 
well  known  in  the  political  world  and  at  the  bar,  attended  and 
took  a  prominent  part  in  the  business  of  the  society.  And  this 
was  not  an  occasional  and  temporary  paroxysm  of  zeal  in  this 
distinguished  man;  but  ever  after,  as  long  as  he  lived,  he  yield- 
ed to  none  of  the  friends  of  Colonization,  in  active,  persevering 
efforts,  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  society. 

On  this  occasion,  he  arose  and  addressed  the  meeting  to  the 
following  effect: 

"Mr.  President, — I  will  call  the  attention  of  the  society 
to  a  matter  of  some,  though  not,  perhaps,  of  very  great  mo- 
ment. It  is  to  the  proposition  for  giving  a  name  to  our  African 
colony.  Names  are  at  all  times  matters  of  convenience,  and 
sometimes  of  advantage.  Our  colony  has -at  present  no  name. 
It  is  situated,  indeed,  near  a  Cape  called  Mesurado,  and  has 
hitherto  taken  its  name  and  designation  from  this  circumstance; 
but  that  is  not  a  name  appropriate  to  its  object;  a  name- that 
means  nothing.  In  reflecting  on  this  circumstance,  I  have 
thought  of  a  name  that  is  peculiar,  short,  and  familiar,  and  that 
expresses  the  object  and  nature  of  the  establishment.  It  is  the 
term,  Liberia,  and  denotes  a  settlement  of  persons  made  free; 
for  our  colony  may  with  truth  be  called  the  home  and  country 
oi  freedmeyi,  in  contradistinction  to  those  slaves,  of  whom  they 
once  formed  a  part.  This  name,  if  I  mistake  not,  will  be 
found  easy  and  apt,  and  it  certainly  has  the  merit  of  being 
very  concise." 

This  proposal  was  then  submitted  in  the  form  of  a  motion, 
and  unanimously  adopted.  He  then  rose  again,  and  after  pay- 
mg  a  handsome  and  deserved  compliment  to  President  Monroe, 
offered  another  resolution, —  "That  the  town  laid  out  and 
established  at  Liberia,  be  called  and  known  by  the  name, 
Monrovia,"  which  was  also  unanimously  adopted.  General 
Harper  then  addressed  the  society  in  an  eloquent  speech,  tiie 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  233 

object  of  which  was  to  show,  that  the  grand  object  which  they 
had  in  view  could  not  be  accomplished  by  merely  private 
funds  and  voluntary  associations ;  but  that,  in  an  enterprise  so 
humane  and  patriotic,  the  aid  of  Congress  should  be  earnestly 
and  respectfully  sought.  At  the  close  of  his  speech,  therefore, 
he  offered  a  resolution,  "That  a  respectful  memorial  be  pre- 
sented to  Congress,  on  the  part  of  the  society,  stating  the  pro- 
gress that  has  been  made  in  establishing  a  colony  of  the  people 
of  colour,  at  Liberia ;  and  praying  for  aid  from  the  national 
Government,  in  the  prosecution  of  this  great  and  national  un- 
dertakina:." 

General  Mercer,  who  has  been  among  the  earliest  and  most 
efficient  friends  of  colonization,  gave  his  views  on  the  state  and 
prospects  of  the  colonization  scheme ;  but  was  of  opinion,  that 
it  would  not  be  expedient  to  apply  to  Congress  at  present. 
After  some  further  discussion,  it  was  finally  concluded,  that 
the  resolution  offered  by  General  Harper  should  be  referred  to 
a  committee  of  five,  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  an  imme- 
diate application  to  Congress,  and  to  report  at  a  subsequent 
meeting,  to  be  held  in  March. 

Dr.  Ayres,  on  his  first  return  to  the  United  States  from 
Africa,  exerted  himself  much  to  excite  an  interest  among  the 
people,  in  favour  of  colonization.  In  company  with  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Boyd,  of  the  Episcopal  church,  he  took  a  tour  through 
New  England,  to  promote  this  desirable  object.  Every  where 
he  gave  an  interesting  statement  to  the  public,  of  the  urgent 
wants  of  the  colony;  and  of  the  absolute  necessity  of  its  being 
speedily  strengthened,  to  prevent  its  utter  destruction.  This 
journey  was  attended  with  many  advantages  to  the  cause; 
especially  by  diffusing  correct  information  relative  to  the  state 
of  things  in  Africa.  The  Board,  also,  in  their  Sixth  Report, 
appealed  to  the  benevolence  of  the  public  for  contributions  to 
enable  them,  at  that  critical  moment,  when  the  very  existence 
of  the  colony  was  in  jeopardy,  to  preserve  the  enterprise  from 
absolute  destruction.  They  say,  "At  this  crisis  of  intense  in- 
terest, when  the  weakness  of  the  colony  renders  it  exposed  to 
disasters;  when  causes  which  could  not  impair  a  firmer  estab- 
lishment, may  work  its  destruction;  when  the  momentous 
question  is.  Shall  Africa  be  freed,  enlightened,  saved,  or  shall 
all  her  hopes  be  extinguished,  perhaps  for  ever  ?  the  Board 
20* 


234  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

cannot  believe,  that  they  shall  be  denied  the  liberal  contribu- 
tions of  their  countrymen.  They  trust,  that  the  editors  of  public 
papers  and  literary  journals  will  aid  their  design,  by  diffusing 
correct  information  concerning  it;  that  the  patriot  will  think  of 
his  country,  and  give  it  his  influence;  and  that  all  the  ministers 
of  religion  will  plead  for  it,  in  the  name  of  Heaven." 

In  the  Seventh  Annual  Report  of  the  Board  to  the  Society, 
we  are  informed,  that  after  much  difficulty  and  delay,  they  at 
length  succeeded  in  chartering  a  vessel,  and  collecting  emi- 
grants. The  brig  Oswego,  Captain  Wightman,  was  the  vessel 
obtained  by  the  Board,  to  carry  out  the  emigrants,  sixty-one  in 
number,  and  the  stores  for  the  colony  which  they  were  able  to 
provide.  Dr.  Ayres,  whose  previous  exertions  had  been  so 
important,  consented  to  return. 

Just  as  the  Oswego  was  ready  to  sail,  information  of  a  very 
alarming  kind  was  received  from  the  colony,  relative  to  the 
hostile  attack  of  the  natives,  of  which  an  account  has  already 
been  given.  The  reason  for  mentioning  it  here  is,  to  give  a 
proof  of  the  candour,  honesty,  and  good-will  of  the  Board 
towards  the  emigrants  whom  they  had  collected  to  send  out. 
They  observe — "that  duty  as  well  as  policy  demanded  that  it 
should  not  be  concealed;  that  those  who  were  about  to  link  all 
their  temporal  interests  with  the  establishment  in  Africa,  should 
not  be  left  ignorant  of  its  condition  and  prospects."  A  full 
statement  was  therefore  made  of  all  the  facts  which  had  come 
to  the  knowledge  of  the  Board.  They  were  plainly  told  that 
trials,  perhaps  death,  stood  in  their  way;  "that  a  colony  in 
Africa  could  only  survive,  through  the  efforts  of  energetic,  pa- 
tient, and  fearless  men;  that  regrets  would  be  too  late,  when 
they  were  landed  on  a  distant  shore;  but  that  they  were  now 
at  full  liberty  to  remain  in  this  country."  It  is  recorded  as  an 
honourable  instance  of  resolution,  that  no  change  was  expressed 
in  the  purpose  of  a  single  itidividual. 

The  Oswego  sailed  from  Baltimore,  on  the  16th  of  April,  and 
arrived  at  Cape  Mesurado  on  the  24th  of  May.  The  joy  pro- 
duced in  the  colony  by  the  arrival  of  this  reinforcement,  cannot 
be  described.  Soon,  however,  their  trials  commenced.  Sick- 
ness attacked  the  new  colonists;  and  it  was  an  unfavourable 
circumstance,  that  Dr.  Ayres  himself  was  among  the  first  at- 
tacked by  the  disease,  in  consequence  of  which  the  others  were 
deprived   of  his  medical  skill  and  services.     The  mortality, 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  235 

however,  was  not  remarkably  great.  Only  eight  persons  out 
of  the  whole  died.  And  the  Board  were  not  discouraged  by  all 
the  disasters  and  losses  which  had  been  sustained.  By  compar- 
ing Liberia  with  Plymouth,  they  found  that  the  circumstances 
of  the  Puritan  Pilgrims  were  much  more  disheartening,  than  any 
thing  which  had  yet  occurred  in  their  colony.  They  remark, 
that,  "since  the  origin  of  the  society,  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  emigrants,  exclusive  of  those  now  on  their  passage,  in  the 
ship  Cyrus,  have  sailed  to  Africa,  under  the  patronage  of  the 
Board.  The  census  received,  with  the  last  letters  from  Dr. 
Ayres,  states  the  number  then  at  the  colony  to  be  one  hundred 
and  forty.  Let  it  not  be  supposed,  that  this  diminution  of  num- 
bers, has  resulted  from  mortality  alone.  Previous  to  the  pur- 
chase of  Cape  Mesurado,  several  discontented  individuals 
abandoned  the  colony  and  settled  at  Sierra  Leone,  others  re- 
turned to  this  country.  Information  of  forty-six  deaths  only 
has  been  received  by  the  Board.  That  more  have  occurred, 
the  Board  have  no  reason  to  believe.  Twenty-two  of  these 
were  among  the  passengers  in  the  Elizabeth,  the  first  vessel 
sent  by  the  society  to  Africa,  and  occurred  soon  after  her  arrival, 
near  the  commencement  of  the  rains,  through  the  unheal thiness 
of  the  spot  on  which,  for  a  season,  they  were  compelled  to  re- 
side; and  various  other  causes,  by  which  future  emigrants  can 
never  be  affected." 

The  last  year,  1823,  may  be  considered  the  critical  year  for 
the  colony :  its  perils  were  never  so  great,  and  never  can  be 
again,  from  the  same  cause.  At  home  the  prospects  of  the 
society  were  unfavourable,  and  the  funds  exhausted.  But  in 
this  report,  they  say,  "The  evidences  of  public  favour  which 
the  Board  have  received  during  the  year,  have  afforded  the 
highest  encouragement,  and  they  can  no  longer  doubt,  that  a 
general  knowledge  of  their  plans,  will  be  succeeded  by  the 
common,  vigorous  efforts  of  the  country  to  execute  them,  and 
that  the  design  of  the  Colonization  Society,  notwithstanding  the 
opposition  it  has  experienced,  will  be  consummated  by  the  con- 
tinued energies  of  a  nation,  and  approved  by  the  civilized  world. 
A  thousand  powerful  minds  scattered  through  the  Union,  are 
at  work  for  this  institution.  The  objects  which  it  is  intended  to 
promote,  are  every  where  becoming  subjects  of  thought  and 
conversation,  and  the  spirit  of  deep  concern  for  its  result  is 


236  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

rapidly  extending,  securing  to  it  the  counsels  of  wisdom,  the 
donations  of  wealth,  and  the  prayers  of  religion."* 

In  the  year  1825,  the  expressions  of  public  opinion  in  favour 
of  the  Colonization  Society,  both  from  distinguished  individuals 
and  public  bodies,  became  more  explicit  and  decided  than  ever 
before.  The  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  passed  a  resolu- 
tion, in  which  they  declared  their  cordial  ai)probation  of  the  ob- 
jects of  the  American  Colonization  Society ;  expressed  their  plea- 
sure at  the  success  which  had  attended  the  effort  to  estabHsh  a 
colony  at  Liberia,  in  Africa;  and  earnestly  recommended  it  to 
their  brethren  to  patronize  it ;  and  when  practicable,  make  collec- 
tions for  its  funds.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  at  their  annual  meeting,  expressed  their  "  high  gratifica- 
tion at  the  progress  of  the  American  Colonization  Society," 
which  they  call,  "  a  great  work  of  humanity  and  religion." 
They  did  not  hesitate  to  say,  that  they  believed,  "that  the  tem- 
poral prosperity  and  moral  interests  of  an  extensive  section  of 
our  country,  of  a  numerous,  degraded,  and  miserable  class  of 
men  in  the  midst  of  us,  and  of  the  vast  continent  of  Africa,  un- 
civilized and  unchristianized,  are  ultimately  connected  with  the 
success  of  this  institution.  They  therefore  resolved,  unani- 
mously, to  recommend  to  the  churches  under  their  care,  to  pa- 
tronize the  objects  of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  and 
particularly,  that  they  take  up  collections  in  aid  of  its  funds,  on 
the  fourth  of  July,  or  on  the  Sabbath  immediately  preceding 
or  succeeding  that  day:  and  where  that  might  be  thought  inex- 
pedient, to  give  their  assistance,  in  such  manner  as  might  be 
most  conducive  to  the  interests  of  the  society." 

The  General  Synod  of  the  Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 
resolved  to  recommend  to  the  churches  under  their  care,  the 
American  Colonization  Society;  and  also,  wherever  meet- 
ings should  be  held  on  the  fourth  day  of  July,  they  earnestly 
recommended  that  collections  be  made  in  behalf  of  this  insti- 
tution. 

At  the  annual  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  Virginia,  a  resolution  was  passed,  declaring,  that  the  Conven- 
tion had  witnessed  with  the  deepest  emotions  of  gratitude  to  God, 
the  success  with  which  it  hath  pleased  him  to  bless  the  efforts  of 
the  American   Colonization  Society;  that  they  observe  with 

*  Seventh  Report,  page  23. 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  237 

pleasure  an  increasing  interest  in  its  prosperity  every  where 
manifested,  throughont  the  Union.  They,  therefore,  recom- 
mended continued  and  increasing  exertions  in  its  favour,  and 
that  collections  he  made  in  the  respective  churches  under  their 
care,  on  the  fourth  of  July,  or  on  the  Sabbath  immediately  pre- 
ceding that  day. 

A  flourishing  colonization  society  had  been  formed  in  New 
Hampshire,  embracing  some  of  the  most  considerable  men  in 
the  State,  both  lay  and  clerical.  At  the  anniversary  of  this 
auxiliary,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Daniel  Dana  delivered  an  elegant  ad- 
dress, which  was  published.  The  sentiments  which  it  contains 
are  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  principles  on  which  the  Ame- 
rican Colonization  Society  was  founded. 

In  this  same  year  the  Rev.  Dr.  Meade  delivered  an  animated 
address  to  a  crowded  audience  in  Winchester,  Virginia.  This 
gentleman  has  already  received  honourable  mention,  as  one  of 
the  earliest  and  most  efficient  friends  of  the  American  Coloniza- 
tion Society;  to  which  we  may  now  add,  that  his  whole  fa- 
mily participate  in  his  zeal  and  benevolence  in  promoting  this 
good  cause,  of  which  they  have  given  to  the  world  the  most 
substantial  evidence. 

The  society  found  another  able,  zealous,  and  eloquent  advo- 
cate, in  the  Rev.  Leonard  Bacon,  of  New  Haven.  This  gen- 
tleman first  distinguished  himself  as  the  enlightened  and  cordial 
friend  of  colonization,  in  a  review  of  the  Reports  of  the  Socie- 
ty, which  embodied  in  an  eloquent  style  the  principal  transac- 
tions of  the  society,  up  to  the  time  when  it  was  written.  This 
able  review  was  first  published  in  the  Christian  Spectator, 
but  was  copied  from  that  work  into  various  other  periodicals, 
and  was  read  every  where  by  the  friends  of  colonization,  with 
peculiar  interest  and  pleasure.  During  the  current  year,  (1825) 
Mr.  Bacon  came  forward  again  with  "  A  Plea  for  Africa." 
This  work,  though  not  comprehending  so  much  information  as 
his  "  Review,"  yet  is  written  with  more  animation  and  ele- 
gance. Some  passages,  in  which  he  describes  the  miseries  of 
Africa,  are  truly  touching,  and  eloquent.  Among  his  conclud- 
ing sentences  are  these:  "The  voice  of  public  opinion  in  favour 
of  this  enterprise  is  becoming  louder  and  louder.  In  every  sec- 
tion of  our  country  the  ministers  of  Jesus  have  been  pleading 
for  it  to-day.  From  hundreds  of  churches  the  cry  of  supplica- 
tion has  gone  up  in  its  behalf.    And  not  a  few  are  the  freemen 


23S  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

who,  in  the  midst  of  their  rejoicings  to-day,  have  remembered 
the  miseries  of  Africa,  and  offered  their  contributions  for  her 
rehef.  Can  you  withhold  from  such  an  enterprise  your  voice 
of  approbation  ?  Can  you,  if  you  pray  for  any  thing — can  you 
refuse  to  pray  for  this  undertalfing?  Can  you  look  round  on 
the  abundance  wherewith  God  has  blessed  you,  and  refuse  to 
bestow  some  little  offering  on  such  a  cause  ?" 

It  is  pleasant  to  be  able  to  record,  that  the  torrent  of  aboli- 
tionism which  has  swept  away  so  many  of  the  former  friends 
of  colonization,  has  produced  no  unfavorable  effect  on  this  gen- 
tleman. He  continues  to  be  the  warm  friend  of  this  only  plau- 
sible and  practicable  scheme  for  the  amelioration  of  the  condi- 
tion of  the  African  race,  either  here  or  on  the  continent  of 
Africa. 

Auxiliary  societies  sprang  up  so  fast,  that  it  would  be  tedious, 
as  it  is  unnecessary,  to  name  them  all :  and  even  in  remote  parts 
of  the  country,  speeches  were  delivered  and  published,  which 
did  credit  to  the  speakers,  and  evinced,  beyond  a  doubt,  that 
the  talent  and  eloquence  of  the  country  were  enlisted  in  this 
cause. 

The  Society  received  much  encouragement  also  from  the 
fact,  that  the  hopes  entertained  that  many  conscientious  persons 
would  embrace  the  opportunity  to  emancipate  their  slaves, 
began  to  be  realized.  Nathaniel  C.  Crenshaw,  near  Richmond, 
Virginia,  informed  the  society  of  his  wish  to  send  his  slaves  to 
Liberia.  And  the  Rev.  Cave  Jones,  a  chaplain  in  the  United 
States  navy,  manumitted  two  men  of  colour,  and  directed  them 
to  be  delivered  to  the  society,  in  order  that  they  might  take 
passage  to  the  colony  at  Liberia. 

The  society  also  received  some  seasonable  donations  of  arti- 
cles peculiarly  suited  to  the  wants  of  the  infant  colony.  Among 
these,  one  deserves  a  particular  notice,  from  Mr.  E.  S,  Thomas, 
of  Baltimore.  This  gentleman  had  with  great  pains  collected 
a  large  quantity  of  seeds,  which  he  presented  to  the  Coloniza- 
tion Society;  among  which  were  no  less  than  twelve  hundred 
pounds  of  turnip  seed,  of  various  sorts.  A  more  appropriate 
present  for  a  young  colony  could  not  have  been  devised. 

The  American  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  began  to  turn  its 
attention  to  Africa  as  a  missionary  field.  They  authorized  the 
Prudential  Committee  to  admit  the  descendants  of  Africa  into 
the  Foreign  Mission  School,  which  was  then  in  successful  ope- 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  239 

ration  at  Cornwall,  Connecticut,  with  a  view  to  their  prepara- 
tion for  missionary  labours  on  the  coast  of  Africa.  They  also 
resolved  to  recommend  to  the  committee  to  establish  a  mission 
in  Africa,  as  soon  as  they  shall  find  it  practicable,  and  be  able 
to  make  the  requisite  preparations. 

Legislative  bodies, also,  had  their  attention  turned  to  the  sub- 
ject of  making  some  provision  for  emancipated  slaves  in  a  suit- 
able colony. 

The  Hon.  Rufus  King,  a  Senator  of  the  United  States  from 
New  York,  submitted  for  consideration  to  the  august  body  of 
which  he  was  a  member,  a  resolution,  that  after  the  public  debt 
was  paid,  all  the  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  public  land  should 
constitute  a  fund  to  aid  the  emancipation  of  such  slaves  within 
the  United  States,  and  to  aid  in  their  removal,  and  the  removal 
of  such  free  persons  of  colour  as  by  the  laws  of  any  of  the  States 
may  be  allowed  to  be  removed,  to  any  territory  or  country 
without  the  limits  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Mr.  Tucker,  of  Virginia,  March  2d,  made  a  motion  in  Con- 
gress, that  the  Secretary  of  War  be  requested  to  ascertain  the 
probable  expense  of  extinguishing  the  Indian  title  to  a  por- 
tion of  the  country  lying  west  of  the  Rocky  INIountains,  that 
may  be  suitable  for  colonizing  the  free  people  of  colour,  &c. 

The  State  of  Virginia,  as  early  as  1816,  as  we  have  already 
seen,  requested  the  Executive  of  the  State  to  correspond  with 
the  President  of  the  United  States  on  the  subject  of  obtaining  a 
territory  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  or  upon  the  shore  of  the  North 
Pacific,  or  at  some  other  place  not  within  any  of  the  States  or 
Territories  of  the  United  States,  to  serve  as  an  asylum  for  such 
people  of  colour  as  are  now  free,  and  may  desire  the  same,  and 
for  those  who  may  hereafter  be  emancipated  within  the  Com- 
monwealth of  Virginia. 

The  State  of  Maryland,  in  ISIS,  by  their  Legislature,  resolv- 
ed unanimously,  that  the  Governor  be  requested  to  communi- 
cate to  the  members  of  both  Houses  of  Congress  from  Mary- 
land, the  opinion  of  the  Legislature,  that  "  a  wise  and  provident 
policy  suggests  the  expediency,  on  the  part  of  our  National 
Government,  of  procuring,  by  negotiation,  by  cession,  or  pur- 
chase, a  tract  of  country  on  the  Western  coast  of  Africa,  for  the 
colonization  of  the  free  people  of  colour  of  the  United  States." 

A  similar  resolution  was  also  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  the 
State  of  Tennessee. 


240  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

The  Legislature  of  New  Jersey  also  adopted  a  resolution, 
that  in  their  opinion  a  system  of  foreign  colonization,  with  cor- 
respondent measures,  might  be  adopted,  that  would,  in  due 
time,  effect  the  entire  emancipation  of  the  slaves  of  our  country, 
and  furnish  an  asylum  for  the  free  blacks,  without  any  viola- 
tion of  the  national  compact,  or  infringement  of  the  rights  of 
individuals. 

The  State  of  Connecticut  adopted  resolutions  very  similar  to 
those  of  New  Jersey;  concluding  with  the  expression  of  an 
opinion,  "  That  a  system  of  colonization,  under  the  patronage 
of  the  National  Government,  might  be  deemed  conducive  to 
the  desirable  end  of  freeing  the  country  from  the  evils  of 
slavery." 

During  their  sessions  in  1824,  the  Legislature  of  Ohio  re- 
commended the  gradual  abolition  of  slavery,  in  connexion 
with  a  system  of  foreign  colonization. 

In  May,  1S28,  the  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  passed  the  following  resolutions: 

1.  "That  this  Conference  highly  approve  of  the  objects  pro- 
posed, and  the  measures  taken,  by  the  American  Colonization 
Society,  in  reference  to  the  colonization  of  the  free  people  of 
colour,  on  the  coast  of  Africa.  2.  That  this  Conference  look  to 
the  settlement  of  Liberia,  as  opening  a  door  for  the  diffusion  of 
all  the  benign  influences  of  the  gospel  over  the  continent  of 
Africa ;  and,  therefore,  recommend  it  to  our  ministers  and 
membership,  to  aid  by  their  exertions  and  influence  in  the 
formation  and  support  of  auxiliary  societies,  and  the  making 
collections  to  aid  in  carrying  on  the  benevolent  designs  of  the 
parent  institution.  3.  That  the  Secretary  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
instructed,  to  communicate  the  foregoing  resolutions  to  the 
Board  of  Managers  of  the  American  Colonization  Society." 

Among  the  warm  friends  of  African  colonization,  we  have 
the  pleasure  of  recording  the  name  of  that  distinguished  friend 
of  liberty  and  of  America,  General  Lafayette.  In  a  letter,  dated 
Lagrange,  November  29,  1829,  this  venerable  and  beloved 
man  observes,  "  I  am  delighted  to  hear,  that  the  accounts  from 
our  very  interesting  Liberia,  are  so  satisfactory.  The  honour 
I  have  received,  in  being  elected  an  officer  of  the  society,  no 
one  could  more  highly  value." 

In  the  same  year,  the  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania  passed  a 
resolution  in  favour  of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  both 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  241 

houses  concurring  with  great  unanimity.     After  a  preamble  of 
some  length,  they  adopted  the  following: 

"Z?e  it  resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives 
of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  in  General  Assembly 
met:  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  General  Assembly,  the  Amer- 
ican Colonization  Society  eminently  deserves  the  support  of  the 
National  Government,  and  that  our  Senators  be  directed,  and 
the  Representatives  in  Congress  be  requested,  to  aid  the  same, 
by  all  proper  and  constitutional  means." 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

LOTT  CARY— MISSIONS  IN  AND  NEAR  THE  COLONY. 

When  Mr.  Ashmun's  health  was  so  impaired  that  he  was 
under  the  necessity  of  leaving  Liberia,  to  which  place  he  was 
never  permitted  to  return,  he  left  the  colony  in  the  charge  of 
the  Rev.  Lott  Cary,  of  whom  mention  has  frequently  been 
made  already.  But  as  he  was  among  the  earliest  colonists, 
and  a  very  extraordinary  man  for  his  opportunities,  I  propose, 
in  this  chapter,  to  give  a  sketch  of  his  life.* 

Lott  Cary  was  born  a  slave,  about  the  year  1780,  thirty 
miles  below  the  city  of  Richmond,  in  Virginia.  His  father 
was  an  eminently  pious  member  of  the  Baptist  denomination; 
and  his  mother,  though  not  a  member  of  any  visible  church, 
was  believed  by  her  acquaintances,  to  be  truly  pious.  He  was 
their  only  child.  It  may  be  inferred  from  the  character  of  his 
parents,  that  he  was  trained  up  under  the  influence  of  sound 
religious  and  moral  principles,  but  of  his  early  life  no  memo- 
rials remain.  In  the  year  1804,  when  just  four-and-twenty 
years  of  age,  he  was  removed  to  the  city  of  Richmond,  and 
employed  as  a  common  labourer,  in  the  Shockoe  tobacco  ware- 
liouse.  At  that  time,  his  habits  were  rather  irregular;  he  was 
frequently  intoxicated,  and  had  contracted  the  vicious  habit  of 
profane  swearing:  and  for  two  or  three  years  after  his  coming 

*  The  author  is  indebted  for  this  sketch  of  the  early  history  of  Cary  to  the 
Memoir  of  him,  by  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Taylor. 
21 


242  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

to  Richmond,  he  appeared  evidently  to  increase  in  wickedness. 
But  he  was  a  chosen  vessel  of  divine  mercy,  and  destined  to 
act  an  important  part  in  one  of  the  noblest  enterprises  of  the 
present  day.  Having  been  led  to  the  discovery  of  his  ruined 
condition  as  a  rebel  against  the  skies,  he  turned  to  the  Lord 
with  full  purpose  of  heart,  and  was  baptized  by  Elder  John 
Courtney,  and  was  received  as  a  member,  in  the  first  Baptist 
church  in  Richmond,  in  the  year  1S07. 

Lott  Gary,  though  endowed  with  strong  natural  powers, 
was  at  the  time  of  his  conversion,  extremely  ignorant,  not 
knowing  a  single  letter  of  the  alphabet.  But  hearing  his 
minister  read  the  discourse  of  our  Lord  to  Nicodemus,  he  was 
seized  with  an  earnest  desire  to  learn  to  read,  and  did  not 
cease  until  he  had  accomplished  his  purpose ;  and  soon  after- 
wards, he  learned  to  write.  About  this  time,  he  began  to  hold 
meetings  with  the  coloured  people  of  Richmond,  and  to  exhort 
sinners  to  'flee  from  the  wrath  to  come:'  the  church  observing 
that  he  had  gifts  to  be  useful  as  a  public  speaker,  encouraged 
him  to  exercise  them  in  preaching  the  gospel. 

Having  now  the  treasures  of  English  literature  unlocked  to 
him,  by  the  acquisition  of  the  art  of  reading,  he  was  not  back- 
ward in  availing  himself  of  every  opportunity  of  improving 
his  mind,  by  such  works  as  fell  in  his  way.  And  his  reading 
was  not  confined  to  such  books  as  those  of  his  class  commonly 
peruse,  but  he  extended  his  reading  to  History  and  Political 
Economy.  A  gentleman  once  entered  his  apartment,  and 
found  that  he  had  been  engaged  in  reading  Smith's  Wealth 
of  Nations.  He  was  also  much  engaged  in  preaching  the 
gospel,  not  only  in  Richmond,  but  in  all  the  surrounding 
country.  His  services  at  the  tobacco  warehouse  were  highly 
valued.  Every  thing  with  which  he  had  any  thing  to  do,  was 
put  in  perfect  order ;  so  that  if  any  one  of  the  hundreds  of 
hogsheads  under  his  care,  was  called  for,  he  could  at  any 
moment,  produce  it.  This  promptitude  and  order  were  of 
great  importance  in  the  shipments  of  tobacco.  He  often 
received  rewards  from  the  merchants,  which  he  carefully  hus- 
banded and  increased,  by  making  small  ventures  of  unmer- 
chantable tobacco  on  his  own  account.  By  the  year  1813,  he 
had  acquired  a  sum  sufficient  to  buy  his  own  liberty,  and  that 
of  two  of  his  children.  The  sum  paid  was  eight  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars.  His  first  wife  was  dead,  at  this  time,  and  in 
1815,  he   married   a  second.      He   now  received   a  regular 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  243 

salary,  which  was  increased  from  year  to  year,  until  it  amount- 
ed to  eight  hundred  dollars. 

About  this  time,  Lott  Gary  became  deeply  affected  with  the 
unhappy  condition  of  the  people  of  Africa,  and  took  pains  to 
stir  up  a  lively  interest  among  his  brethren  in  and  about  Rich- 
mond, in  relation  to  the  spiritual  condition  of  these  people. 
This  led  to  the  formation  of  an  African  Missionary  Society  in 
Richmond,  which  contributed  annually,  for  several  years,  from 
one  hundred  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  towards  the  sup- 
port of  the  African  mission.  But  his  active  and  benevolent 
mind  could  not  be  satisfied  with  the  mere  contribution  of  a  part 
of  his  earnings.  The  desire  to  go  in  person,  and  carry  the 
blessed  gospel  to  that  benighted  region  was  like  a  fire  in  his 
bones.  A  great  struggle  was  experienced  between  this  pious 
an€  disinterested  desire  and  his  personal  interests.  He  was 
now  the  possessor  of  a  snug  little  farm  in  the  vicinity  of  Rich- 
mond, was  receiving  a  handsome  salary,  and  his  reputation  as 
high  as  he  could  wish.  Besides,  he  was  the  object  of  universal 
affection  as  a  preacher,  among  the  people  of  his  own  colour. 
There  were  also  some  discouraging  circumstances  in  relation  to 
Africa.  The  facilities  for  labouring  there  were  few,  and  the 
climate  was  sickly;  but  none  of  these  things  could  deter  him 
from  engaging  in  this  benevolent  enterprise.  When  asked  by 
a  brother  in  the  ministry,  how  he  could  think  of  quitting  a  sta- 
tion of  so  much  comfort  and  usefulness,  to  encounter  the  dan- 
gers of  an  African  climate,  and  hazard  every  thing,  to  plant  a 
colony  on  a  distant  shore,  his  reply  was,  "  I  am  an  African; 
and  in  this  country,  however  meritorious  my  conduct,  and  re- 
spectable my  character,  I  cannot  receive  the  credit  due  to  either. 
I  wish  to  go  to  a  country  where  I  shall  be  estimated  by  my  me- 
rits— not  by  my  complexion;  and  I  feel  bound  to  labour  for  my 
suffering  race."  When  his  employers  understood  that  he  con- 
templated a  removal,  they  offered  to  raise  his  salary  to  one 
thousand  dollars;  but  this  had  no  effect  on  his  fixed  determi- 
nation. 

As  soon  as  the  journal  of  the  exploring  tour  of  Messrs.  Mills 
and  Burgess  was  published,  the  purpose  of  Lott  Gary  and  Gol- 
lin  Teage  was  immediately  made  up  to  emigrate  to  Africa. 
This  latter  also  hved  in  Richmond,  and  had  by  great  exertion 
and  economy,  raised  thirteen  hundred  dollars  for  the  redemption 
of  himself,  a  son,  and  a  daughter.  Gollin  Teage  had,  like  Gary, 
received  no  education  in  early  life;  but  he  had  learned  the  busi- 


244  HISTORY    OF  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

ness  of  a  saddler  and  harness-maker,  and  by  his  own  efforts  had 
learned  to  read  and  write  indifferently  well.  But  he  was  a  man 
of  keen  penetration,  and  possessed  a  mind  capable  of  high  im- 
provement, of  which  he  has  given  full  evidence  since  he  was 
settled  in  Africa. 

These  two  men  first  offered  themselves  as  missionaries  to  go 
to  Africa,  under  the  direction  of  the  Baptist  General  Conven- 
tion; and  at  the  same  time  made  application  to  the  American 
Colonization  Society  to  go  out  under  their  patronage.  Various 
circumstances  delayed  their  departure  until  January,  1821. 
Teage  was  also  a  preacher  to  his  own  colour,  and  was  often 
associated  with  Lott  Cary  in  preaching  excursions  into  the 
country.  Both  of  them  now  received  ordination  according  to 
the  usages  of  the  Baptist  denomination;  and  upon  the  eve  of 
their  departure,  Elder  Cary  delivered  a  farewell  discourse'to 
the  people  of  colour  in  Richmond,  which  is  said  to  have  been  a 
sermon  of  great  eloquence.  His  text  was  Rom.  viii.  32.  In 
the  conclusion  of  his  discourse  he  became  very  pathetic;  and, 
among  other  things,  said,  "  I  am  about  to  leave  you,  and  ex- 
pect to  see  your  faces  no  more.  I  long  to  preach  to  the  poor 
Africans  the  way  of  life  and  salvation.  I  do  not  know  what  may 
befall  me — whether  I  may  find  a  grave  in  the  ocean,  or  among 
the  savage  men,  or  more  savage  wild  beasts  on  the  coast  of 
Africa;  nor  am  I  anxious  what  may  become  of  me.  I  feel  it 
to  be  my  duty  to  go;  and  I  very  much  fear  that  many  of  those 
who  preach  the  gospel  in  this  country,  will  blush  when  the  Sa- 
viour calls  them  to  give  an  account  of  their  labours  in  this 
cause,  and  tells  them,  '  I  commanded  you  to  go  into  all  the 
world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature.'  "  And  with 
the  most  thrilling  emphasis,  looking  round  on  his  audience,  he 
exclaimed,  "  The  Saviour  may  ask — Where  have  you  been  ? — 
what  have  you  been  doing?  Have  you  been  endeavouring  to 
the  utmost  of  your  ability  to  fulfil  the  commands  I  gave  you? 
Or  have  you  sought  your  own  gratification,  and  your  own  ease, 
regardless  of  my  commands?" 

These  two  devoted  men  left  Richmond.  January  23d,  1821, 
and  sailed  in  the  Nautilus  for  the  coast  of  Africa.  The  parting 
scene,  at  Richmond,  v/as  very  affecting.  Cary  united  dignity 
with  tenderness;  and  manifested  a  spirit  becoming  one  who 
was  to  sustain  the  character  of  a  missionary  of  the  cross.  There 
was  a  moral  sublimity  in  the  spectacle;  for  he  was  actually 
making  a  sacrifice  of  all  his  worldly  interests,  and  was  prepared 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  245 

for  death  as  well  as  life.  They  reached  their  destination  after 
a  voyage  of  forty-four  days.  Good  order  was  preserved  on. 
board  during  the  whole  time  that  they  were  at  sea,  and  Capt. 
Blair  treated  his  passengers  with  humanity  and  attention. 

At  the  time  of  Gary's  arrival  at  Sierra  Leone,  the  Coloniza- 
tion Society  had  obtained  no  place  for  a  permanent  settlement; 
but  at  the  close  of  this  year  (1821)  Cape  Mesurado  was  pur- 
chased from  the  natives.  Messrs.  Cary  and  Teage  therefore  re- 
mained at  Sierra  Leone,  and  having  exhausted  their  resources 
in  preparing  for  the  voyage,  they  soon  found  themselves  in  dif- 
ficult circumstances.  Lott  Cary,  to  provide  for  present,  urgent 
wants,  engaged  in  the  business  of  a  cooper,  and  made  tubs, 
buckets,  &c.,  which  he  sold  at  Free  Town  for  the  support  of  his 
family.  But  he  was  not  unmmdful  of  the  great  object,  to  pro- 
mote which  he  had  made  such  sacrifices.  He  not  only  preach- 
ed, as  he  had  opportunity,  among  the  colonists,  but  established 
a  mission  among  the  Mandingoes.  But  he  was  again  called  to 
suffer  a  severe  affliction  in  the  loss  of  his  wife,  who  died  while 
he  resided  at  Sierra  Leone.  This  was,  indeed,  a  sore  bereave- 
ment; but  he  liad  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  she  departed 
in  the  exercise  of  a  hvely  faith,  and  an  assured  hope  of  ever- 
lasting life. 

In  1822,  he  removed  his  family  to  Cape  Mesurado,  and  be- 
came one  of  the  most  active  and  influential  members  of  that 
little  community.  The  native  tribes  repenting  of  the  sale  of 
the  land  on  the  cape,  meditated  the  destruction  of  the  colony, 
and  after  Ashmun,  its  salvation  was  owing  to  the  exertions  of 
none  so  much  as  those  of  Lott  Cary.  The  general  agent  has 
given  the  following  character  of  this  remarkable  man,  "  On  his 
arrival  in  Africa,  he  saw  before  him  a  wide,  and  interesting  field, 
demanding  various,  and  energetic  talents,  and  the  most  devoted 
piety.  His  intellectual  ability,  firmness  of  purpose,  unbending 
integrity,  correct  judgment,  and  disinterested  benevolence,  soon 
placed  him  in  a  conspicuous  station,  and  gave  him  wide,  and 
commanding  influence.  Though  naturally  diffident  and  retiring, 
his  worth  was  too  evident  to  allow  of  his  continuance  in  obscu- 
rity. It  is  well  known,  that  great  difficulties  were  encountered 
in  founding  a  settlement  at  Cape  Mesurado.  So  appalling  were 
the  circumstances  of  the  first  settlers,  that  soon  after  they  had 
taken  possession  of  the  Cape,  it  was  proposed  that  they  should 
remove  to  Sierra  Leone.  The  resolution  of  Mr.  Cary,  was  not 
21* 


246  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

to  be  shaken :  he  determined  to  stay,  and  his  decision  had  great 
effect  in  persuading  others  to  imitate  his  example.  During  the 
war  with  the  native  tribes,  in  November  and  December,  1822, 
he  proved  to  be  one  of  the  bravest  of  men,  and  but  for  his  well 
directed  and  vigorous  support  to  the  measures  of  Mr.  Ashmun, 
during  that  memorable  defence  of  the  colony,  the  consequences 
might  have  been  disastrous.  It  was  to  him  that  Mr.  Ashmun 
was  principally  indebted  for  assistance,  in  rallying  the  broken 
forces  of  the  colony,  at  a  moment,  when  fifteen  hundred  of  the 
exasperated  natives  were  rushing  forward  to  exterminate  the 
settlement. 

"Gary,  in  one  of  his  letters,  compares  the  little  exposed  com- 
pany at  Mesurado,  at  that  time,  to  the  Jews,  who  in  rebuilding 
their  city  grasped  a  weapon  in  one  hand,  while  they  laboured 
Avilh  the  other;  but  adds,  emphatically,  there  never  has  been  an 
hour,  nor  a  minute,  no  not  even  when  the  balls  were  flying 
around  my  head,  when  I  could  wish  myself  again  in  America." 

In  defect  of  regular  medical  aid,  Lott  Gary  applied  his  power- 
ful mind  to  this  subject;  and  for  a  considerable  time,  he  was 
almost  entirely  occupied  in  visiting  the  sick,  and  administering 
medicine  to  them.  And  it  has  been  generally  admitted,  that  he 
was  remarkably  successful  in  his  practice. 

The  only  single  part  of  his  conduct  which  deserves  to  be 
censured,  was  his  taking  part  in  the  seditious  proceedings  of  a 
number  of  persons,  who  became  dissatisfied  with  the  Goloni- 
zation  Society,  and  refused  obedience  to  the  orders  of  Mr.  Ash- 
mun, the  agent.  In  fact,  they  set  all  law  at  defiance,  and  went, 
and  by  force  took  from  the  public  stores,  whatever  they  wanted. 
Gary,  doubtless,  had  a  leading  influence  in  these  seditious  pro- 
ceedings. But  when  Mr.  Ashnmn  addressed  to  them  a  solemn 
appeal  or  remonstrance,  in  which  he  forcibly  represented  the 
iniquity,  and  destructive  tendency  of  their  proceedings,  Lott 
Gary,  convinced  of  the  impropriety  of  his  conduct,  came  to  the 
agent,  and  ingenuously  confessed  his  error;  after  which,  he  was 
ever  found  among  the  firm  supporters  of  law  and  order.  These 
mutinous  proceedings  were  owing  to  very  peculiar  and  critical 
circumstances,  which  if  they  could  be  fully  explained,  would 
go  far  to  extenuate  the  misguided  conduct  of  Gary,  and  others, 
in  this  affair.  But  as  Mr.  Ashmun's  confidence  was  imme- 
diately and  fully  restored,  it  is  judged  to  be  expedient,  to  bury 
in  oblivion  all  the  circumstances  of  this  unpleasant  transaction. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  247 

Lett  Gary,  though  necessarily  much  occupied  with  the  affairs 
of  the  colony  and  its  defence,  and  with  his  practice  as  a  physi- 
cian, yet  did  not  neglect  the  main  object  of  his  mission.  He 
not  only  laboured  to  promote  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  church 
at  Monrovia;  but  gave  instructions  in  the  rudiments  of  the 
gospel  to  the  Africans  who  had  been  recaptured  from  the  slave- 
ships.  And  from  letters  addressed  to  his  friends  in  Virginia,  it 
appears,  that  religion  was  in  a  flourishing  state  in  his  church. 
His  services  as  physician  were  especially  valuable  after  the 
arrival  of  the  Cyrus  with  one  hundred  and  five  emigrants.  All 
these  were  seized  with  the  fever,  and  our  self-instructed  physi- 
cian had  his  hands  full;  and  what  greatly  enhances  the  value 
of  his  services,  they  were  gratuitously  bestowed  on  all  who 
needed  them,  and  were  willing  to  accept  them. 

His  letters  to  <his  friends,  during  1824,  are  full  of  interest,  and 
contain  an  animated  description  of  the  affairs  of  the  colony.  In 
June,  1S25,  he  gives  an  account  of  the  establishment  of  a  mis- 
sionary school  for  native  children,  which  was  prosperous,  and 
increasing  in  numbers.  His  attention  was  also  particularly 
turned  to  Cape  Mount,  where  he  was  solicitous  that  a  school 
and  mission  should  be  established. 

In  the  midst  of  his  public  labours  he  found  time  to  pay  atten- 
tion to  agricultural  improvements.  In  one  of  his  letters  he  says, 
"I  have  a  promising  little  crop  of  rice  and  cassada,  and  have 
planted  about  a  hundred  and  eighty  coffee  trees,  this  week,  a 
part  of  which,  I  expect,  will  produce  next  season,  as  they  are 
now  in  bloom.  1  think,  sir,  that  in  a  very  few  years,  we  shall 
send  you  coffee  of  a  better  quality,  than  you  have  ever  seen 
brought  into  your  market.  We  find  that  trees  of  two  species 
abound  in  great  quantities  on  the  Cape ;  both  of  the  large  green 
coffee,  of  which  I  will  send  you  a  specimen  by  the  first  oppor- 
tunity." 

In  the  autumn  of  1825,  a  request  was  received  from  the  Board 
at  Washington,  that  the  Rev.  Lott  Cary  should  pay  a  visit  to  the 
United  States.  This  accorded  much  with  his  feelings.  He  had 
it  at  heart  to  confer  with  friends  in  America;  especially,  with 
the  Missionary  Society  of  Richmond.  On  this  occasion  Mr. 
Ashmun  furnished  him  with  ample  testimonials,  in  which  his 
services  to  the  colony  are  duly  appreciated ;  and  a  proper  con- 
sideration of  his  medical  services  is  strongly  recommended  to  the 
Board;  which,  though  they  were  rendered  without  fee  or  hope 


248  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

of  reward,  in  equity  ought  not  to  be  suffered  to  remain  without 
remuneration. 

This  visit,  however,  was  disappointed,  in  consequence  of  the 
urgent  demand  for  Mr.  Gary's  medical  services;  for  of  the 
late  emigrants,  many  were  sick.  Mr.  Ashmun  himself  had  the 
utmost  confidence  in  his  medical  skill,  as  appears  by  the  fol- 
lowing testimony:  "The  prescriptions  of  our  excellent  and 
experienced  assistant  physician,  the  Rev.  Lott  Gary,  under 
the  blessing  of  Divine  Providence,  so  far  succeeded  as  to 
afford  complete  relief,  only  leaving  one  in  a  very  emaciated 
and  enfeebled  state,  about  the  end  of  the  first  week  in  July." 
Though  Mr.  Gary  had  declined  all  offices  which  would  be 
likely  to  interfere  with  his  ministerial  and  missionary  labours, 
yet  so  high  was  the  estimation  in  which  he  was  held,  that  in 
September,  1826,  he  was  elected  to  fill  the  office  of  Vice-Agent. 
Indeed,  all  eyes  were  turned  to  him  as  the  most  fit  person  to 
fill  that  responsible  office.  His  intrepidity,  foresight,  prudence, 
and  firmness,  eminently  qualified  him  to  sustain  the  govern- 
ment, and  secure  the  welfare  of  the  people.  "In  his  good 
sense,"  says  Mr.  Gurley,  "moral  worth,  public  spirit,  courage, 
resolution,  and  decision,  the  colonial  agent  had  perfect  confi- 
dence." 

After  receiving  the  necessary  books,  and  finding  a  suitable 
teacher,  he  went  to  Gape  Mount,  to  prosecute  his  long  contem- 
plated school  at  that  place ;  and  after  a  palaver,  the  king  and 
his  chiefs  unanimously  gave  their  consent  to  the  proposed  insti- 
tution. And  while  there,  he  embraced  the  opportunity  on  the 
Sabbath,  of  preaching  to  the  natives  through  an  interpreter. 

In  one  of  his  letters  to  the  Richmond  Missionary  Society,  he 
urges  them  "to  be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his 
might,  for  it  seems  as  if  the  great  flood-gate  is  about  to  be 
opened  upon  this  part  of  Africa.  One  missionary  arrived  here 
in  the  Ontario,  and  he  informs  me,  there  are  four  following 
after  him.  He  is  all  the  way  from  Germany  or  Switzerland — 
of  the  Lutheran  denomination.  I  do  not  know  what  to  say, 
but  I  must  say,  0  American  Ghristians  !  look  this  way !  come 
this  way!  and  help,  if  you  cannot  come.  Send  help,  for  the 
Lord's  sake.  Help  Africa's  sons  out  of  the  devil's  bush,  into 
the  kingdom  of  God.  The  harvest  is  already  white.  The 
heathen,  in  our  vicinity,  are  very  anxious  for  the  means  of 
light.     They  will  buy  it — beg  it — and  sooner  than  miss  of  it, 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION.  249 

they  will  steal  it."  In  confirmation  of  this  last,  he  gives  the 
following  fact:  "In  removing  our  school  establishment  up  to 
Cape  jMount,  I  had  upwards  of  forty  natives  to  carry  our  bag- 
gage ;  and  though  they  had  every  opportunity  to  commit 
depredations,  nothing  was  lost,  except  fifteen  spelling  books." 

In  the  early  part  of  the  year  182S,  as  was  before  related, 
Mr.  Ashmun  left  Liberia  for  the  United  States,  his  physician 
having  declared  that  such  a  step  was  necessary  to  his  restora- 
tion. Under  these  circumstances,  the  whole  government  of 
the  colony  devolved  on  Lott  Gary.  Mr.  Ashman's  confidence 
in  his  wisdom  and  integrity  may  be  learned  from  his  commu- 
nications to  the  Board.  "I  was  enabled,"  says  he,  "  to  arrange 
the  concerns  of  the  colony  with  Mr.  Gary,  even  to  the  minu- 
test particulars;  and  I  have  the  greatest  confidence  that  his 
administration  will  prove  satisfactory  in  the  highest  degree,  to 
the  Board,  and  advantageous  to  the  colony."  And  on  his 
death-bed,  Mr.  Ashmun  recommended  that  Mr.  Gary  should 
be  permanently  appointed  to  conduct  the  affairs  of  the  colony. 

Mr.  Gurley  states,  "  that  for  six  months  after  the  departure 
of  Mr.  Ashmun  from  the  colony,  Mr.  Gary  stood  at  the  head, 
and  conducted  himself  with  such  energy  and  wisdom,  as  to  do 
honour  to  his  previous  reputation,  and  fix  the  seal  upon  his 
enviable  fame," 

Mr.  Gary  was  not  insensible  of  the  magnitude  of  the  charge 
which  had  devolved  upon  him;  but  he  had  a  mind  which  rose 
in  strength,  in  proportion  to  the  pressure  by  which  it  was 
urged. 

It  will  be  gratifying  to  learn  from  his  private  journal,  what 
sentiments  were  entertained  towards  Mr.  Ashmun.  In  describ- 
ing his  departure,  he  says,  "Never,  I  suppose,  were  greater 
tokens  of  respect  shown  by  any  community,  on  taking  leave  of 
their  head.  Nearly  the  whole  (at  least,  two-thirds)  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Monrovia,  men,  women,  and  children,  were  out 
on  this  occasion  ;  and  nearly  all  parted  from  him,  with  tears; 
and  in  my  opinion,  the  hope  of  his  return  in  a  few  months, 
alone  enabled  them  to  give  him  up.  He  is  indeed  dear  to  his 
people,  and  it  will  be  a  joyful  day  when  we  are  permuted  to 
see  him  again." 

Mr.  Gary  now  called  together  the  principal  officers  of  the 
colony,  and  read  to  them,  without  reserve,  the  instructions  left 
him  by  Mr.  Ashmun,  and  requested  their  cooperation.      "  I 


250  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

trust,"  says  he,  "through  the  great  blessing  of  the  Ruler  of 
events,  we  shall  be  able  to  realize  all  the  expectations  of  Mr. 
Ashmun,  and  render  entire  satisfaction  to  the  Board  of  Mana- 
gers, if  they  can  reconcile  themselves  to  the  necessary  ex- 
penses." 

It  will  give  some  idea  of  Lott  Gary's  business  talents,  as 
well  as  of  his  enterprise  and  patriotism,  to  exhibit  the  follow- 
ing deed,  which  was  executed  to  him,  as  agent  for  the  colony, 
by  several  of  the  petty  kings  of  the  country: 

"  Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  Old  King  Peter, 
and  King  Governor,  King  James,  and  King  Long  Peter,  do,  on 
this  fourth  day  of  April,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  twenty-eight,  grant  unto  Lott  Gary,  Acting 
Agent  of  the  colony  of  Liberia,  in  behalf  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society,  to  wit :  All  that  tract  of  land  on  the 
north  side  of  St,  Paul's  river,  beginning  at  King  James's  line 
below  the  establishment,  called  the  Millsburg  Settlement;  and 
we,  the  kings,  as  aforesaid,  do  bargain,  sell,  and  grant,  unto 
the  said  Lott  Gary,  acting  in  behalf  of  the  American  Goloni- 
zation  Society,  all  the  aforesaid  tract  of  land,  situated  and 
bounded  as  follows :  by  the  St.  Paul's  river  on  the  south,  and 
thence  running  an  east,  north-east  direction  up  the  St,  Paul's 
river,  as  far  as  he,  the  said  Lott  Gary,  or  his  successor  in  the 
agency  or  civil  authority  of  the  colony  of  Liberia  shall  think 
proper  to  take  up  and  occupy;  and  bounded  on  the  west,  by 
King  Jenuny's,  and  running  thence  a  north-east  direction,  as 
far  as  our  power  and  influence  extend.  We  do,  on  this  day 
and  date,  grant  as  aforesaid,  for  the  consideration — [here  follow 
the  articles  to  be  given  in  payment] — and  will  for  ever  defend 
the  same  against  all  claims  whatever. 

"Li  witness  whereof,  we  set  our  hands  and  names; 

"  Old  X  King  Peter, 
"  Long  k^  King  Peter, 
"King  X   Governor, 
"King  X  James. 

"  Signed  in  presence  of 

"  Elijah  Johnson, 
"Frederick  James, 
"  Daniel  George." 

Mr.  Gary  wisely  judged,  that  much  depended  on  the  vigour 
and  success  with  which  agricultural  pursuits  were  prosecuted. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  251 

He,  therefore,  took  an  early  opportunity  of  visiting  the  settle- 
ments of  Millsburg  and  Caldwell,  and  was  on  the  whole  well 
pleased  with  the  prospects  of  a  plentiful  crop :  but  on  examin- 
ation, he  found  that  it  would  be  necessary  to  allow  the  people 
to  draw  rations  from  the  public  stores,  much  longer  than  he 
had  expected.  He  was  also  very  attentive  to  such  things  as 
were  required  for  the  defence  of  the  colony :  the  gun-house  in 
Monrovia,  and  the  jail,  were  soon  finished,  and  the  guns 
mounted.  He  also  had  suitable  carriages  made  for  the  port- 
able guns. 

Towards  the  close  of  June,  the  colony  was  put  into  some 
commotion,  by  the  appearance  of  three  suspicious  vessels  in 
the  bay.  After  a  while,  they  hoisted  Spanish  colours,  and 
one  of  them,  a  schooner,  anchored  within  gun-shot.  A  gun 
was  fired  from  the  fort,  which  caused  her  boat  to  come  on 
shore.  They  were  from  Havana,  and  professed  not  to  be 
engaged  in  the  slave  trade.  The  reason  assigned  for  coming 
so  near,  was  to  find  shelter  from  one  of  the  other  vessels,  a 
patriot  brig,  which  had  been  for  some  time  in  pursuit  of  them. 
Gary  did  not  believe  a  word  that  was  said,  and  told  them 
that  he  knew  they  were  slavers ;  and  therefore  he  refused  to 
permit  them  to  take  in  wood  or  water,  and  allowed  them  only 
one  hour  to  get  out  of  reach  of  the  guns. 

Speaking  of  the  celebration  of  the  fourth  of  July,  Mr.  Gary 
remarks,  "  The  companies  observed  strictly  the  orders  of  the 
day,  which  I  think  were  so  arranged  as  to  entitle  the  officers 
who  drew  them  up,  to  credit.  Upon  the  whole,  I  am  obliged 
to  say,  that  I  have  never  seen  the  American  Independence  cele- 
brated with  so  much  spirit,  and  propriety,  since  the  existence 
of  the  colony;  the  guns  being  all  mounted  and  pointed,  and 
previously  arranged  for  the  purpose,  added  very  much  to  the 
grand  salute.  Two  dinners  were  given,  one  by  the  Indepen- 
dent Volunteer  company,  and  one  by  Gaptain  Devany." 

Having  understood  that  the  American  Colonization  Society 
expected  to  send  out  a  large  reinforcement  of  emigrants,  he  was 
at  his  wit's  end  to  know,  how  he  should  make  provision  for  the 
accommodation  of  so  many  persons;  but  after  a  full  considera- 
tion of  all  circumstances,  he  determined  to  settle  them  at  Mills- 
burg, and  assigned  the  following  reasons  :  On  account  of  the 
fertility  of  the  lands  and  fewness  of  the  inhabitants;  and  be- 
cause he  believed  that  they  would,  by  being  sent  so  far  into  the 


252  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

country  on  the  fresh  water,  experience  httle  injury  from  the 
change  of  cUmate ;  and  because  he  thought  it  expedient  to 
strengthen  the  colony  on  that  point ;  for  aUhough  no  hostilities 
from  the  natives  were  apprehended,  yet  it  was  best  to  be,  and 
appear  to  be,  able  to  repel  them.  In  his  communication  to  the 
Board,  he  gives  a  very  flattering  account  of  the  condition  of  the 
colony:  "  I  am  happy  to  say,  that  the  health,  peace,  and  pros- 
perity of  the  colony  are,  I  think,  still  advancing;  and  I  hope  that 
the  Board  of  Managers  may  have  their  expectations  realized,  to 
their  fullest  extent,  with  regard  to  the  present  and  future  pros- 
perity of  the  colony." 

Mr.  Gary  suggested  to  the  Board  the  great  importance  of  the 
colony  having  a  vessel  large  enough  to  run  down  as  far  as  Cape 
Palmas;  which  he  was  of  opinion  would  save  much  expense  to 
the  society.  This  measure  was  urged  by  the  consideration, 
that  until  the  colony  was  able  to  raise  provisions  enough  for  its 
own  consumption,  it  would  be  desirable  to  have  the  means  of 
bringing  them  from  a  considerable  distance,  and  not  be  depen- 
dent on  the  supplies  from  the  immediate  vicinity,  which  very 
often  failed  or  were  inadequate. 

In  a  letter  to  the  Board  of  Managers,  dated  May  7th,  1823, 
he  says,  "  There  have  been  no  very  important  changes  either  in 
the  state  or  face  of  the  colony,  since  Mr.  Ashmun  left  us,  ex- 
cept in  the  rapid  progress  of  the  farming  establishments.  As  I 
visited  all  those  establishments,  during  the  second  and  third  of 
May,  I  am  happy  to  say,  that  the  prospect  for  crops,  the  pre- 
sent season,  is  tenfold,  and  I  think  their  settlements  will  be 
beyond  the  reach  of  suffering,  before  the  close  of  the  present 
season,"  He  speaks  of  some  of  the  late  emigrants  who  had 
made  astonishing  progress  in  clearing  land,  and  getting  it  plant- 
ed ;  so  that  their  families  would  be  rendered  entirely  comfort- 
able before  the  end  of  the  season. 

It  was,  however,  the  peculiar  trait  of  excellence  in  this  man's 
character,  that  in  the  midst  of  pressing  cares,  and  business  of  the 
most  responsible  nature,  which  had,  in  the  providence  of  God, 
devolved  upon  him,  he  never  lost  sight  of  the  main  object  which 
had  brought  him  to  Africa.  His  great  object  in  emigrating  to 
Africa  was,  to  extend  the  power  and  blessings  of  the  Christian 
religion.  Before  he  left  Richmond,  a  little  church  of  about 
half  a  dozen  members  was  formed,  who  were  to  accompany 
him. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  253 

The  names  of  these  devoted  colonists  were  Lott  Gary  and 
wife,  Collin  Teage  and  wife  and  son  Hilary  Teage,  and 
Joseph  Langford  and  wife.  These  names  deserve  to  stand  out 
prominently  in  a  history  of  colonization  and  missions  in  Africa. 
Lott  Gary  became  the  pastor  of  this  church  in  Africa,  and  had 
the  pleasure  of  seeing  its  members  multiplied.  Most  earnestly 
did  he  seek  access  to  the  native  tribes,  and  endeavour  to  instruct 
them  in  the  doctrines  and  duties  of  that  religion,  which  in  his 
own  case,  "  had  proved  so  powerful  to  purify,  exalt,  and  save." 
In  one  or  two  instances  of  hopeful  conversion  from  heathenism, 
he  greatly  rejoiced;  and  many  of  his  latest  and  most  anxious 
thoughts  were  directed  to  the  establishment  of  native  schools, 
in  the  interior.  One  such  school,  distant  seventy  miles  from 
Monrovia,  and  of  great  promise,  was  established  through  his 
agency,  about  a  year  before  his  death;  and  was  patronized  and 
supported  by  him  until  that  mournful  event."* 

But  we  must  now  come  to  the  unexpected,  sad,  and  tragical 
close  of  a  life  so  valuable,  and  which  gave  promise  of  increas- 
ing usefulness  for  years  to  come.  There  is  nothing  in  the  dis- 
pensations of  divine  providence  more  inscrutable,  than  that  men 
eminently  prepared  for  useful  and  important  service  to  the 
church,  and  to  their  kind,  are  so  frequently  cut  down  in  the 
midst  of  their  labours,  with  their  expected  work  only  just  com- 
menced. There  may  be  a  reason  for  this  entirely  out  of  our 
sight;  and  it  may,  for  aught  we  know,  be  intimately  connected 
with  the  prosperity  of  the  enterprises  to  which  they  had  de- 
voted themselves.  Whether  fanciful  or  not,  it  is  a  pleasing 
thought,  that  such  men  as  Mills,  Bacon,  Ashmun,  Gary,  and 
other  like  spirits,  are  somehow  still  coadjutors  in  promoting  the 
good  work  in  which  they  sacrificed  their  lives. 

The  circumstances  of  this  deplorable  event  were  the  follow- 
ing, as  given  by  Mr.  Gurley.  "  The  factory  belonging  to  the 
colony  at  Digby  (a  few  miles  north  of  Monrovia)  had  been 
robbed  by  the  natives;  and  satisfaction  being  demanded,  was 
refused.  A  slave-trader  was  allowed  to  land  her  goods  in  the 
very  house  where  the  goods  of  the  colony  had  been  deposited, 
and  a  letter  of  remonstrance  addressed  to  the  slave-dealer,  was 
actually  intercepted  and  destroyed  by  the  natives.  In  this  state  of 
affairs,  Mr.  Gary  considered  himself  solemnly  bound  to  assert 
the  rights  and  defend  the  property  of  the  colony.     He  therefore 

*  Gurley. 


254  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

called  out  instantly,  the  military  of  the  settlements,  and  com- 
menced making  arrangements  to  compel  the  natives  to  desist 
from  their  injurious,  and  unprovoked  infringements  upon  the 
territory,  and  rights  of  the  colony.  On  the  evening  of  the  8th 
of  November,  while  Mr.  Gary  and  several  others  were  making 
cartridges  in  the  old  agency-house,  a  candle  appears  to  have 
been  accidentally  upset,  which  caught  some  loose  powder,  and 
almost  instantaneously,  reached  the  entire  ammunition,  pro- 
ducing an  explosion,  which  resulted  in  the  death  of  eight  per- 
sons. Six  of  these  unfortunate  persons,  survived  until  the 
ninth,  and  Mr.  Gary,  and  one  other,  until  the  tenth." 

As  soon  as  the  intelligence  of  Gary's  death  reached  the 
United  States,  a  melancholy  impression  pervaded  the  public 
mind  ;  but  especially  affected  the  minds  of  the  friends  of  Liberia. 

The  following  tribute  to  the  memory  of  this  excellent  man 
was  drawn  up  by  those  who  were  best  acquainted  with  him, 
and  in  whose  service  he  continued  until  his  death: — the  Rich- 
mond African  Missionary  Society.  It  was  read  and  adopted  at 
their  annual  meeting  in  1829,  and  its  truth  and  justice  will  be 
evident  to  all  who  have  perused  the  history  of  his  life. 

"  The  loss  which  has  been  sustained,  cannot  in  our  estima- 
tion, be  easily  repaired.  This  excellent  man  seems  to  have  been 
raised  up  by  divine  providence,  for  the  special  purpose  of  taking 
an  active  part  in  the  management  of  the  infant  settlement. 
His  discriminating  judgment,  his  honesty  of  heart,  and  decision 
of  character,  qualified  him  eminently,  for  this  service.  But, 
especially,  in  relation  to  your  society,  is  his  death  to  be  sincere- 
ly lamented.  It  will  be  recollected,  that  he  was  a  principal 
instrument  in  the  origin  of  this  society,  and  for  several  years 
acted  as  its  recording  secretary.  A  little  more  than  eight  years 
ago,  he  received  his  appointment,  and  sailed,  as  missionary,  in 
company  with  brother  Teage,  for  the  land  of  their  forefathers. 
His  exertions  as  a  minister  in  that  land  have  been  of  the  most 
devoted  and  untiring  kind.  In  the  communications  which  have 
been  received  by  the  Board,  he  seemed  to  possess  the  most 
anxious  concern  for  the  salvation  of  the  perishing  multitudes 
around  him.  Through  his  instrumentality  a  considerable  church 
has  been  collected  together,  which  seems  to  be  in  a  prosperous 
and  growing  condition.  Sabbath  and  week  day  schools  have 
been  instituted  for  the  instruction  of  native  children  and  the 
children  of  the  colony,  which  have  proved  eminently  useful. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  255 

We  were  looking  forward  with  confidence  to  tlie  more  perfect 
consummation  of  our  wishes,  when  that  moral  desert  should 
rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  rose ;  but  God  has  seen  fit  to  cross 
our  expectations,  in  calling  from  his  station  this  laborious  mis- 
sionary. It  becomes  us  to  bow  with  submission  to  the  stroke, 
and  to  realize  the  saying  of  the  apostle, '  how  unsearchable  are 
his  judgments,  and  his  ways  past  finding  out.'  Although  we 
were  not  permitted  to  receive  his  dying  testimony  to  the  truth, 
we  have  the  fullest  assurance  that  our  loss  is  his  unspeakable 
and  eternal  gain." 

■  While  we  are  faithfully  recording  the  labours  and  services  of 
the  ardent  friends  of  this  blessed  cause,  in  Africa,  we  ought  not 
to  pass  over  in  silence,  the  names  of  benefactors,  who  have  by 
their  influence  or  their  wealth,  promoted  the  cause  at  home. 
We  have,  for  many  pages,  been  occupied  with  the  character 
and  indefatigable  labours  of  that  extraordinary  man,  Lott  Gary; 
but  just  when  his  sun  had  risen  to  the  meridian,  it  was  sud- 
denly extinguished.  Without  a  moment's  warning  he  was 
snatched  away  from  all  his  long  cherished  hopes  of  extensive 
usefulness  to  the  heathen.  And  in  the  same  year  we  must 
record  the  sudden  departure  of  one  of  the  earliest  and  most  de- 
voted friends  of  colonization  in  the  city  of  Washington.  Our 
reference  is,  to  Doctor  William  Thornton.  In  another  part 
of  this  history,  we  noticed  that  this  learned  and  benevolent 
citizen  had  proposed  a  plan  of  colonizing  the  free  people  of 
colour  as  early  as  1785,  or  1787. 

When  the  American  Golonization  Society  was  founded  and 
organized,  he  was  prepared  at  once  to  enter  with  ardour  into 
the  scheme.  He  was  a  member  of  the  first  Board  of  Managers 
ever  chosen,  and  continued  to  be  a  faithful  and  punctual  asso- 
ciate with  the  other  gentlemen  of  the  Board,  until  his  lamented 
death.  His  temperament  was  ardent  and  his  heart  generous. 
While  he  was  free  in  declaring  and  firm  in  maintaining  his  own 
opinions,  he  was  candid  and  liberal  towards  those  of  others. 
His  ardent  mind  would  quickly  kindle  into  a  glow  of  indigna- 
tion at  acts  of  perfidy  and  inhumanity;  but  he  was  equally 
prompt  to  yield  unstinted  praise  to  noble  and  generous  acts. 
If  he  was  an  enthusiast,  it  was  an  enthusiasm  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  human  kind.  Not  satisfied  with  man's  present 
progress,  he  looked  forward  with  high  wrought  anticipations, 


256  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

to  a  State  of  society  far  more  perfect  than  any  thing  which  has 
yet  been  witnessed. 

The  Board  of  Managers,  on  the  occasion  of  his  death,  met  to 
express  their  deep  sense  of  his  value,  as  a  member,  and  of  the 
loss  which  the  cause  had  sustained  in  his  decease,  and  unani- 
mously passed  the  following  resolution:  "This  Board  have 
heard  with  very  deep  regret,  of  the  death  of  Dr.  William 
Thornton,  one  of  its  earliest  and  most  highly  valued  members, 
and  whose  loss  must  be  severely  felt  by  Africa  and  mankind." 

Soon  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Ashmun,  the  Board  of  Mana- 
gers elected  as  his  successor.  Dr.  Richard  Randall,  of 
Washington  city,  a  highly  respected  member  of  the  Board. 
Measures  were  also  taken  to  hasten  his  departure,  that  he 
might  take  upon  himself  the  arduous  and  responsible  duties  of 
Colonial  Agent.  The  Board  considered  themselves  happy  in 
so  soon  fihding  a  person  so  fully  qualified,  as  Dr.  Randall, 
willing  to  undertake  an  agency  surrounded  with  so  many 
dangers. 

During  the  year  1S2S,  several  pious  and  devoted  mission- 
aries were  sent  to  J^iberia,  from  the  Missionary  Society  of 
Switzerland,  who  had  been  educated  in  the  mission  school  of 
Basle,  under  the  tuition  of  the  venerable  Blumhardt.  They 
"were  five  in  number,  and  four  of  them  arrived  at  Monrovia,  in 
1828.  Mr.  Sessing  had  preceded  his  brethren  some  months, 
and  had  made  suitable  preparation  for  their  accommodation. 
By  a  letter  to  the  Board  at  Washington,  from  the  minister  just 
named,  it  appeared  that  these  pious  men  were  greatly  delighted 
with  the  prospect  of  labouring  for  the  conversion  of  the  poor 
heathen  in  Africa.  In  October,  1828,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blumhardt 
addressed  a  letter  to  the  Board  of  Managers,  relative  to  the 
concerns  of  these  young  men,  his  former  pupils. 

The  ship  Harriet,  Captain  Johnson,  left  Hampton  Roads,  on 
the  9lh  of  February,  1829,  with  one  hundred  and  sixty  emi- 
grants for  Liberia.  A  more  orderly  and  respectable  company, 
according  to  the  African  Repository,  never  had  embarked  for 
the  colony.  Of  this  number,  between  forty  and  fifty  had  been 
liberated  by  a  few  persons,  for  the  special  purpose  of  being 
transferred  to  the  privileges  of  the  Liberian  colony.  Fifteen 
of  these  were  liberated  by  Miss  Margaret  Mercer,  near  Anna- 
polis, Maryland,  and  eighteen  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  P.  Hunt,  of 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATIOX.  257 

Brunswick  county,  Virginia.  Six  were  lately  the  property  of 
Edward  Colston,  Esq.,  of  Virginia.  Some  of  the  number  had 
been  long  free,  and  had  accumulated  considerable  property; 
and  all  who  embarked,  took  with  them  a  liberal  supply  of  pro- 
visions, household  furniture,  agricultural  implements,  and  arti- 
cles for  trade.  Most  of  these  emigrants  were  in  the  vigour  of 
life,  highly  recommended  for  their  correct  morals,  and  industri- 
ous habits;  and  a  large  proportion  distinguished  among  their 
class,  for  intelligence,  influence,  and  piety. 

Among  the  passengers  in  this  vessel,  was  the  unfortunate 
Moorish  prince,  Abduhl  Rahhaman,  who  had  been  long  a  slave 
in  Mississippi. 

Just  before  the  vessel  sailed,  several  ministers  attached  to 
the  Presbyterian  church,  convened  on  board  the  Harriet,  and 
ordained  the  Rev.  Joseph  Turner,  who  had  long  been  an  ex- 
emplary member  and  useful  preacher,  in  that  denomination. 

The  Rev.  David  Payne,  a  highly  respectable  preacher  in  the 
Methodist  church,  also  embarked  in  this  vessel. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

RANDALL'S  ADMINISTRATION. 

Doctor  Randall  arrived  at  Monrovia,  December  22,  1828, 
where  he  received  the  first  intelligence  of  the  melancholy  cir- 
cumstances of  the  death  of  Lott  Gary,  The  election  of  a  suc- 
cessor to  Gary,  had  raised  Mr.  Waring  to  the  office  of  vice- 
agent.  Dr.  Randall  estimated  the  property  in  the  public  stores, 
when  he  arrived,  to  be  of  the  value  of  seventy  thousand  dollars, 
and  twice  that  sum,  if  all  the  convertible  property  in  the  col- 
ony were  included.  "I  am,"  says  he,  "much  pleased  with 
the  climate,  location,  fertility,  and  population  of  Liberia.  The 
climate  is,  at  this  season,  most  delightful.  It  is  not  very  warm 
during  the  day,  and  at  night  it  is  cool  enough  to  sleep  under 
a  blanket.  Though  this  is  considered  the  sickly  season,  we 
have  but  little  disease,  and  none  of  an  alarming  character. 
The  location  of  Monrovia,  is  the  most  delightful  that  can  be 
22* 


258  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

imagined.  Since  the  woods  have  been  cleared  away  on  the 
south  side  of  the  peninsula,  our  town  is  in  full  view  from  the 
ocean,  and  has,  really,  a  most  imposing  appearance." — "The 
location  of  this  place  gives  it  most  important  commercial  ad- 
vantages; and  whatever  may  be  the  final  success  of  our  colo- 
nizing operations,  nothing  but  some  most  unfortunate  disaster, 
can  prevent  its  becoming  one  of  the  most  important  commer- 
cial cities  on  the  African  coast.  The  Cape  lands  are  not  very 
fertile,  generally,  but  there  are  some  situations  quite  so:  even 
the  most  barren  parts  are  suitable  for  gardening,  with  a  little 
attention  to  manuring;  and  the  very  worst  part  of  it  will  pro- 
duce coffee,  and  several  varieties  of  fruits.  I  visited  Caldwell 
and  the  half-way  Farms,  a  few  days  since,  and  was  much 
pleased  with  the  improvements  which  have  been  made  there, 
during  the  period  they  have  been  occupied.  Most  of  the  set- 
tlers have  good  houses,  and  all  of  them  have  flourishing  plant- 
ations of  rice,  cassada,  plantains,  and  potatoes,  with  many  other 
fruits  and  vegetables." — "Though  none  of  these  people  are  as 
wealthy  as  their  commercial  brethren  at  Monrovia,  they  are  all 
above  want,  and  will,  in  a  few  years,  become  rich ;  for  their 
lands  are  admirably  adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  sugar  and 
cotton,  in  addition  to  the  articles  before  mentioned.  The  lands 
on  both  sides  of  Stockton  Creek  are  of  the  very  best  quality, 
being  a  rich,  light  alluvion,  equal  in  every  respect  to  the  best 
lands  on  the  southern  rivers  of  the  United  States." 

"Mr.  Gary  has  located  the  recaptured  Africans,  whose  term 
of  service  to  the  colonists  had  expired,  behind  the  Half-way 
Farms,  between  Stockton  creek  and  the  Mesurado  river.  I 
visited  their  town,  and  was  much  pleased  with  their  improve- 
ments. They  have  been  on  their  lands  but  three  months,  and 
have  already  built  themselves  comfortable  houses,  enclosed 
their  lots,  and  have  their  cassada,  plantains,  and  potatoes  grow- 
ing most  luxuriantly." — "  The  late  vice  agent,  Mr.  Cary,  de- 
serves much  credit  for  his  exertions,  in  the  location  and  settle- 
ment of  this  flourishing  village.  I  propose  to  have  it  called 
after  him,  Carytown." 

Concerning  the  condition  of  the  slave  trade.  Dr.  Randall 
writes:  "If  I  had  under  my  direction  an  armed  vessel,  with 
forty  men,  principally  black  sailors  from  the  United  States,  I 
would  pledge  myself  that  the  slave  trade  should  not  be  carried 
on  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  colony.     From  all  I  can  learn 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  259 

here,  I  am  induced  to  believe,  that  the  slave  trade  is  now  car- 
ried on  at  the  Gallinas,  between  Cape  Mount  and  Sierra  Leone, 
and  to  the  leeward  of  that  place,  to  a  greater  extent  than  it  has 
been  for  many  years.  The  South  American  cruisers  are  alone 
efficient  against  the  slavers.  The  slavers  are  generally  fitted 
out  in  the  island  of  Cuba,  or  Brazil,  and  land  their  cargoes, 
and  establish  factories  for  the  collection  of  slaves,  at  some  con- 
venient spot,  whilst  the  vessels  cruise  off  and  on  with  perfect 
security  from  the  English,  French,  and  other  cruisers,  who 
cannot  capture  them,  unless  they  have  the  slaves  actually  on 
board:  and  as  soon  as  the  coast  is  clear,  and  the  wind  fair,  they 
get  their  slaves  on  board,  and  being  generally  fast  sailers,  they 
defy  all  pursuers.  But  the  South  Americans  being  at  war 
with  Spain,  and  the  Buenos  Ayreans  with  both  Spain  and  Bra- 
zil, they  capture  all  under  those  flags,  whether  they  have,  or 
have  not  on  board,  their  cargo  of  slaves." — "The  colonists,  I 
find,  are  much  alarmed  at  the  idea  of  incensing  these  people, 
who  are  so  powerful,  lest  they  should  injure  them  by  cutting 
up  their  commerce  on  this  coast.  It  will  be  recollected,  that 
there  has  been  no  American  vessel  cruising  on  this  coast  for  many 
years.  The  Ontario  stopped  here  a  short  time  last  year,  and 
the  Shark,  which  is  now  here,  is  only  authorized  to  delay  for 
the  reception  of  my  despatches  to  the  Navy  Department.  I 
hope  the  Board  will  urge  on  the  Government,  the  necessity  of 
keeping  a  vessel  on  the  coast.  I  will  pledge  my  medical  repu- 
tation, that  it  can  be  done  with  but  little  risk  from  disease,  if 
the  proper  precautions  are  used.  Neither  the  officers  nor  men 
need  be  exposed  on  shore  at  night,  the  only  dangerous  period; 
and  the  men  need  not  be  landed  at  all,  as  the  Kroomen  may  be 
employed  for  three  or  four  dollars  a  month,  to  procure  wood 
and  water,  and  do  all  the  work  on  shore." 

"I  have  been,"  continues  Dr.  Randall,  "so  fortunate  as  to 
meet  with  a  Mandingo,  from  Susoo,  a  country  bordering  on 
the  territory  of  Footah  Jallo,  from  whom,  with  the  assistance 
of  Mr.  Gomez,  a  highly  intelligent  African  educated  in  Europe, 
I  have  obtained  a  translation  of  the  letter  I  obtained  from  Prince 
to  his  relations  in  Teemboo.  I  have  sent  enclosed  the  trans- 
lation of  the  letter,  in  the  hand  of  Mr.  Gomez,  as  a  specimen  of 
African  penmanship.  I  inquired  of  the  Mandingo,  whether  he 
could  take  charge  of  the  letter,  but  finding  that  he  spoke  doubt- 
fully, and  did  not  intend  to  return  to  liis  country  for  many 


260  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

months,  I  determined  not  to  entrust  him  with  it,  but  to  wait  a 
better  opportunity.  I  permitted  him  to  take  a  copy  of  the 
letter,  and  promised  him  a  handsome  compensation,  if  he 
would  obtain  an  answer  to  it  from  Teemboo.'' 

Dr.  Randall's  enterprising  spirit  appears  strongly  manifested 
in  the  whole  of  this  interesting  communication  to  the  Board. 
Although  he  had  been  only  a  few  weeks  in  the  colony,  yet  he 
seems  to  have  directed  his  attention  to  every  thing  connect- 
ed with  the  design  and  interests  of  the  colony.  The  following 
information  respecting  the  interior  country  of  Africa,  was  ob- 
tained from  a  Mr.  Dungey,  who,  with  some  others,  had 
penetrated  a  considerable  distance  inland,  for  the  purposes 
of  trade.  His  statement  (says  Dr.  Randall)  is  as  follows. 
"  Himself  and  three  others  of  the  colonists  have  been  several 
times  to  King  Boatswain's  town,  a  hundred  and  fifty  miles  in 
the  interior,  for  the  purpose  of  trade.  They  take  the  path, 
which  is  an  open  one,  and  well  suited  for  men  and  beasts  of 
burden,  about  six  miles  from  the  mouth  of  St.  Paul's,  and  pene- 
trate in  a  northern  direction,  through  immense  forests,  filled 
with  herds  of  elephants,  and  innumerable  other  wild  animals. 
During  the  whole  distance,  until  they  get  within  twenty  miles 
of  Boatswain's  town,  they  pass  no  settlements,  and  meet  with 
no  natives,  except  the  elephant  hunters,  who  are  very  nume- 
rous, but  always  friendly.  When  they  arrive  within  twenty 
miles  of  Boatswain's  town,  they  find  the  country  open  and  well 
cultivated,  with  many  cattle  and  some  horses.  The  town  con- 
tains more  than  a  thousand  houses,  and  is  well  fortified  with  a 
barricade  ;  and  eight  thousand  men,  armed  with  muskets,  can 
be  brought  to  its  defence.  Boatswain  is  generally  at  war  with 
his  neighbours,  but  has  been  uniformly  friendly  to  us ;  and 
seems  much  disposed  to  carry  on  a  more  extensive  trade  with 
the  people  of  the  colony.  By  opening  a  direct  path,  the  dis- 
tance may  be  reduced  to  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles.  Our 
traders  carry  with  them  tobacco,  pipes,  muskets,  powder, 
clothes,  and  other  articles  of  African  trade;  and  in  return,  ob- 
tain bullocks,  ivory,  and  gold.  From  what  I  can  learn,  the  St. 
Paul's,  after  passing  the  falls  at  Millsburg,  is  a  deep  navigable 
river,  extending  several  hundred  miles  in  a  northern  direction. 
Mr.  Dungey  assured  me  that  he  was  on  the  St.  Paul's  within 
twenty-five  miles  of  Boatswain's  town,  and  found  it  half  a  mile 
wide,  and  free  from  all  falls  or  obstructions.    There  are  several 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  261 

large  islands  at  this  point,  one  of  which,  called  Harahamiah,  he 
describes  as  five  miles  wide,  and  more  than  ten  long.  He  says 
the  people  there  told  him,  that  the  time  was,  when  the  slavers 
came  up  in  their  boats  to  this  point,  with  goods  to  buy  slaves. 
This  fine  river  is,  on  the  map,  described  as  the  Mesnrado;  but 
its  mouth  is  several  miles  north  of  Cape  Mesurado,  though  it  is 
connected  with  a  river  of  that  name  by  a  navigable  creek — the 
Stockton. 

"  I  have  no  doubt  that  by  means  of  this  fine  river,  we  will  in 
time  open  a  trade  with  the  interior,  by  which  we  will  divert  to 
this  place  much  of  the  gold  and  ivory  which  is  now  carried  to 
Sierra  Leone  on  the  north,  and  Cape  Coast  to  the  south.  I  have 
already  ascertained  that  a  company  can  be  formed,  with  a  capital 
of  a  thousand  or  two  thousand  dollars,  for  the  purpose  of  mak- 
ing an  experiment  in  this  trade,  on  a  larger  scale  than  hitherto 
has  been  done;  and  I  will  probably  take  shares  in  it,  as  author- 
ized by  the  society,  to  the  amount  of  two  hundred  dollars.  I 
"will  send  a  message  to  Boatswain  in  a  few  days,  with  a  present, 
and  will  endeavour  to  induce  him  to  open  a  more  direct  path 
from  our  settlement,  and  to  permit  us  to  carry  on  a  trade  with 
the  people  beyond  him,  and  establish  a  factory  in  his  town.  At 
present,  the  goods  of  our  traders  are  carried  on  men's  backs, 
and  cost  them  for  transportation  about  fifty  cents  a  hundred, 
there,  and  as  much  back  with  the  returns.  Mules  or  jacks  might 
be  used  to  advantage  for  this  purpose;  and  if  we  could  use  the 
river  St.  Paul's,  even  if  we  had  to  make  a  portage  at  Millsburg, 
it  would  be  still  better." 

The  quarrel  which  had  arisen  before  Gary's  death  with  the 
natives,  on  the  coast  near  the  colony,  was  not  adjusted.  "  King 
Brister  (Bristol)  had  expressed,  in  his  communications  to  Mr. 
Waring,  his  desire  for  peace,  but  at  the  same  time  his  determi- 
nation to  defend  himself  if  attacked.  He  denied  the  right  of 
the  colony  to  interfere  with  him  or  his  slave  trade,  beyond  the 
St.  Paul's,  the  line  of  their  territory.  As  the  slave  factory,  the 
original  cause  of  the  difficulty,  had  been  broken  up  when  I  ar- 
rived, I  felt  no  disposition  to  renew  the  quarrel,  and  I  will  en- 
deavour to  adjust  the  thing  amicably.  Indeed,  with  our  pre- 
sent very  limited  means  of  attack  or  defence,  the  colony  has 
nothing  to  gain,  and  every  thing  to  lose,  by  a  war  with  the 
natives. 

"  The  trade  of  this  place  is  now  very  considerable,  and  is  be- 


262  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

coming  greater  every  day,  as  its  capital  and  number  of  vessels 
for  carrying  on  the  coasting  trade  increase.  Besides  six  or 
eigiit  smaller  decked  vessels,  we  have,  belonging  to  the  colony, 
two  larger  schooners,  the  one  above  thirty,  the  other  above 
forty  tons,  employed  in  the  coasting  trade." 

Dr.  Randall  estimates  the  exports  from  Monrovia,  during  the 
year  past,  to  be  equal  to  sixty  or  seventy  thousand  dollars. 

As  the  society  had  resolved  that  a  tonnage  duty  should  be 
collected  on  vessels  in  the  ports  of  this  colony.  Dr.  Randall,  by 
the  authority  vested  in  him,  appointed  Francis  Devany  revenue 
officer,  and  gave  him  the  requisite  instructions  for  the  perform- 
ance of  the  duties  of  his  office. 

About  this  time  there  seemed  to  be  a  rising  sentiment  among 
many  friends  of  colonization  in  favour  of  Hayti,  as  the  place  to 
which  the  free  people  of  colour  should  be  sent,  in  preference  to 
Africa.  The  country  was  already  in  complete  possession  of  the 
coloured  race,  and  there  seemed  to  be  no  reasonable  ground  to 
fear  that  it  would  ever  be  wrested  from  them.  The  island  is 
known  to  be  exceedingly  fertile,  and  capable  of  supporting 
many  more  inhabitants  than  it  now  contains.  The  transporta- 
tion of  emigrants  to  Hayti,  it  was  thought,  would  be  compara- 
tively easy,  as  the  island  was  near  to  our  continent.  And  it 
had  been  ascertained  that  the  Government  would  consent  to 
permit  emigrants  to  come  and  settle  in  the  country;  and  that 
while  they  behaved  themselves  peaceably,  and  did  nothing  to 
interrupt  or  destroy  the  established  religion,  they  should  not 
be  molested  in  the  free  exercise  of  their  own  religion.  This 
scheme  of  colonization  commended  itself  especially  to  the  So- 
ciety of  Friends,  and  a  number  of  colonists  were  sent  by  them 
from  North  Carolina,  who  actually  took  up  their  residence  in 
Hayti,  on  lands  assigned  to  them. 

On  the  17th  of  February,  182 9,  the  schooner  Cicero  sailed  for 
Port-au-Prince,  having  on  board  twelve  coloured  emigrants,  libe- 
rated by  Joseph  Leonard  Smith,  Esq.,  a  gentleman  of  Frederick 
county,  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  them  as  colonists  in 
Hayti.  Mr.  Smith  not  only  generously  relinquished  his  legal 
rights  to  the  services  of  these  persons,  but  furnished  them  with 
a  handsome  outfit  of  provisions,  clothing,  and  agricultural  im- 
plements. He  also  paid  their  passage  to  Hayti,  and  engaged, 
at  his  own  expense,  the  services  of  a  gentleman  well  acquainted 
with  the  country  and  its  government,  to  go  out  with  them,  and 


HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  263 

assist  them  in  making  an  advantageous  location,  and  to  procure 
for  tFiem  all  the  facilities  and  benefits  which  are  extended  to 
persons  of  this  description  by  the  Haytien  Republic. 

Tliomas  Kennedy,  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  and  a  citizen 
of  Wayne  county,  North  Carolina,  undertook  the  benevolent 
agency  of  visiting  all  the  coloured  emigrants  who  had  been  sent 
out  by  the  Society  of  Friends,  in  that  State.  His  report  was  by 
no  means  favourable  to  the  scheme  of  colonizing  our  free 
people  of  colour  on  that  island.  He  found  the  emigrants 
"generally,  unpleasantly  situated,  and  very  much  dissatisfied. 
They  complained,  that  the  proprietors  of  the  lands,  for  whom 
they  had  laboured  for  two  years  and  a  half,  had  entirely  disap- 
pointed them.  That  they  had  received  but  from  six  to  ten  dol- 
lars each  as  a  compensation  for  their  labour  during  the  above 
time ;  and  they  declared,  '  that  they  would  rather  be  slaves  in 
North  Carolina,  than  to  remain  there  under  the  treatment  they 
had  received  since  their  arrival.'  "  Mr.  Kennedy  bore  testimo- 
nials and  instructions  from  the  yearly  meeting  of  Friends,  in 
North  Carolina,  and  was  treated  with  civiHty  by  the  President 
of  the  island  ;  but  all  his  efforts  to  improve  the  condition  of  the 
emigrants  from  the  United  States  proved  ineffectual;  and  in 
attempting  to  take  under  his  protection,  for  removal,  a  family 
which  he  had  formerly  emancipated,  he  was  treated  with  great 
indignity. 

The  general  description  of  the  country  given  by  Mr.  Ken- 
nedy, is,  "that  the  land  is  vastly  rich,  producing  with  but  little 
cultivation,  most  of  the  necessaries  of  life.  The  climate,  air, 
and  water,  are  salubrious  and  pure." — "Their  government  is 
an  aristocratic,  military  despotism.  Their  Congress  and  its 
powers,  are  a  mere  fudge.  The  laws  are  better  worded,  than 
administered.  In  fact,  I  think,"  says  he,  "the  will  of  the  Pres- 
ident may  be  deemed  the  law  of  the  land,  with  a  standing 
army  (report  says)  of  forty  thousand,  to  enforce  it.  There, 
agriculture  is  very  much  neglected;  particularly  the  growth  of 
articles  for  exportation.  Hence,  their  commerce  is  declining. 
Their  manners  and  customs  are  disagreeable ;  their  way,  or 
mode  of  living,  particularly  in  the  country,  is  very  poor  and 
coarse.  Polygamy  is  tolerated;  at  least,  concubinage  is  prac- 
tised with  impunity.  Hence,  they  have  but  few  children.  The 
people  are  generally  ignorant,  yet  conceited  and  self-wise.  As 
for  their  religion,  I  fear  they  have  but  little;  notwithstanding, 


264  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

they  mostly  profess  to  be  Roman  Catholics.  From  my  short 
acquaintance  with  the  Haytiens,  and  my  observing  their  dispo- 
sitions towards  our  American  blacks  amongst  them,  I  am  not 
disposed  to  encourage  any  free  people  of  colour  to  go  from  the 
United  States,  to  settle  in  Hayti;  but  as  a  friend,  I  would  sug- 
gest to  them  the  propriety  of  emigrating  to  Liberia,  where  I 
believe,  they  would  hve  under  good  government  and  laws, 
enjoy  equal  privileges,  and  be  among  their  own  country  peo- 
ple. The  present  colonists  would  have  their  own  customs, 
manners,  and  religion.  Added  to  which,  they  would  be  in  the 
land  of  their  forefathers'  nativity;  where,  by  proper  application 
on  their  part,  they  might  be  instrumental  in  civilizing  and 
christianizing  benighted  Africa."  The  intelligent  friends  of 
colonization  were  not  disappointed  in  the  result  of  the  Haytien 
experiment,  but  they  made  no  opposition  to  a  scheme  which 
aimed  at  the  same  objects  in  part,  which  had  led  to  tlie  forma- 
tion of  the  American  Colonization  Society.  And  as  we  shall 
not  have  occasion  to  touch  this  subject  again,  it  may  be  further 
remarked,  that  most  of  those  who  emigrated  to  Hayti,  returned, 
and  some  of  them  in  circumstances  of  great  distress.  And 
now,  for  many  years,  Hayti  has  not  been  thought  of  as  a  suit- 
able place  for  the  colonization  of  the  free  people  of  colour, 
from  the  United  States. 

But  some  time  afterwards,  a  number  of  families  emigrated 
from  New  York  and  New  Jersey  to  Trinidad;  and  the  result 
was  not  more  favourable,  and  as  many  of  these  as  could, 
returned.  One  of  them,  a  preacher,  informed  the  writer,  that 
the  prejudice  on  account  of  colour,  did  not  exist  there,  but  that 
such  a  difference  of  rank  existed,  as  excluded  nearly  all  the 
emigrants  from  good  society. 

Gerrit  Smith,  Esq.  of  New  York,  proposed  a  plan  for  raising 
one  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  the  Colonization  Society,  by 
getting  a  hundred  persons  to  subscribe, each  one  thousand  dol- 
lars. This  scheme  met  with  general  approbation,  and  a  num- 
ber of  persons  manifested  their  zeal  and  liberahty  in  the  cause, 
by  adding  their  names  to  the  list:  and  although  the  proposed 
number  of  subscribers  was  not  obtained,  yet  it  is  believed, 
that  all  who  subscribed  paid  their  quota;  as  certainly  was  the 
fact  in  regard  to  Mr.  Smith  himself;  who,  when  he  abandoned 
the  Colonization  cause,  to  join  that  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Society, 
honourably  discharged  every  debt  which  he  had  voluntarily 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  265 

contracted  to  the  former.  Although  we  are  aware,  that  with 
his  present  views,  this  whole  subject  must  be  reflected  on  with 
regret,  yet  as  we  deem  his  conduct,  while  connected  with  the 
Colonization  Society,  both  liberal  and  honourable,  we  feel  it  to 
be  due  to  him  to  mention  with  praise,  the  services  rendered  by 
him  to  the  Colonization  Society ;  and  if  he  manifests  as  good  a 
spirit  toward  the  cause  which  he  has  since  so  zealously  espoused, 
we  doubt  not  that  he  will  prove  a  powerful  coadjutor.  This 
scheme  for  raising  funds,  having  been  before  the  public  for  so 
many  years,  its  origin  and  progress  are  properly  a  part  of  the 
history  of  African  colonization. 

Whatever  may  be  the  ultimate  design  of  Providence,  in  re- 
gard to  the  Colonization  Society,  it  is  certain  that  no  institution 
of  modern  times,  has  gained  the  approbation  and  enlisted  the 
zeal  of  more  eminent  men  than  this.  That  it  should  have 
succeeded  as  far  as  it  has  done,  is  a  result  far  above  the  calcu- 
lations of  many,  who  thought  it  their  duty  to  give  a  fair  trial 
to  the  enterprise.  The  disease  was  so  desperate,  and  other 
remedies  so  hopeless,  that  without  a  sanguine  feeling,  many 
benevolent  persons  determined  to  give  it  their  support.  And 
now,  when  these  incredulous  friends  cast  their  eyes  over  Libe- 
ria, they  cannot  but  exclaim,  "What  hath  God  wrought?" 
"Surely,  it  is  the  Lord's  doing,  and  it  is  marvellous  in  our 
eyes." 

We  give  at  the  bottom  of  the  page,  the  names  of  all  the  sub- 
scribers* to  "Gerrit  Smith's  Plan,"  as  it  was  called;  and  how- 
ever it  may  now  mortify  him  to  see  his  name  at  the  head  of  the 

*  The  following  are  the  names  of  the  subscribers  to  the  plan  of  Gerrit  Smith  : 
Gerrit  Smith,  Peterborough,  N.  Y.;  Jasper  Corning,  Charleston,  S.  C. ;  Theodore 
Frelinghuysen,  Newark,  N.  J. ;  John  F.  Norton,  Albany,  N.  Y. ;  E.  F.  Backus, 
New  Haven,  Ct;  a  Gentleman  in  Mississippi;  Mathew  Carey,  Philadelphia;  Jo- 
siah  BIssel,  Rochester,  N.  Y. ;  William  Crane,  Richmond,  Va.;  Flemming  James, 
Richmond,  Va.;  Robert  Ralston,  Philadelphia;  Elliot  Cresson,  Philadelphia;  Mrs. 
H.  Carrington,  Mrs.  Ann  Fontain,  W.  A.  Carrington,  and  P.  I.  Carrington,  Va. ; 
General  Edward  Carrington,  Walter  C.  Carrington,  Va. ;  a  Few  Gentlemen  near 
Oak  Hill,  Fauquier;  Rev.  Ebenezer  Burgess,  Dedham,  Mass.;  a  Friend  in  Vir- 
ginia; Robert  Gilmer,  Baltimore;  Arthur  Tappan,  N.  Y.;  George  Burwell,  Fred- 
erick, Va. ;  Association  of  Twenty,  in  Dr.  Mead's  Parish;  Honourable  Edward 
M'Ghee,  Mis. ;  Rev.  Dr.  James  P.  Thomas,  La.;  Four  young  Gentlemen,  Alexan- 
dria, D.  C. ;  Auxiliary  Colonization  Society  of  Georgetown;  a  Friend  in  Freder- 
icktown,  Md.;  another  Subscription  in  Bishop  Mead's  congregation;  John  Graj', 
Fredericksburg,  Va. ;  Solomon  Allen,  Philadelphia,  Pa. ;  Cortland  Van  Rensselaer, 
Albany,  N.  Y. 
23 


266  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

list,  yet  when  Liberia  shall  have  grown  to  be  a  great  republic, 
and  the  friends  of  colonization  receive  their  due  honours,  we 
are  of  opinion,  that  nothing  which  Mr.  Smith  has  done,  or  is 
likely  to  do,  will  exhibit  his  character  to  posterity  in  a  more 
amiable  light.  Indeed,  his  whole  course,  since  he  abandoned 
and  denounced  the  society,  has  been  rather  indicative  of  a 
certain  degree  of  mental  derangement,  than  of  wisdom  and 
sobriety  of  mind.  But  we  are  only  concerned  with  the  char- 
acter of  this  gentleman  while  he  was  connected  with  the  Amer- 
ican Colonization  Society,  during  which  time  he  was  an  active 
and  efficient  friend. 

The  following  communication  from  the  pen  of  Dr.  Randall, 
before  his  much  lamented  end,  is  contained  in  a  private  letter 
to  a  friend,  giving  an  account  of  a  short  journey  up  the  St. 
Paul's.     Its  date  is  February  15,  1829. 

"I  have  at  length  got  through  this  much-talked-of  African 
fever;  and  after  all,  do  not  think  it  any  great  thing.  A  Caro- 
lina or  Georgia  fever  is  just  as  bad;  and  as  for  an  Alabama 
fever,  it  would  be  worth  two  of  it.  I  continued  to  use  precau- 
tions, and  take  medicines  for  six  weeks  after  my  arrival,  and 
enjoyed  perfect  health;  but  I  at  length  became  tired  and  care- 
less, and  the  consequence  was,  the  fever.  I  was  well  taken  care 
of,  and  had  every  attention  that  could  be  afibrded;  and  since  I 
am  through  with  it,  I  am  glad  to  have  had  it,  as  it  will  exempt 
me  from  it  entirely  hereafter. 

"As  soon  as  I  had  finished  my  business  with  the  Shark,  and 
she  had  sailed,  I  determined  to  set  off  on  an  exploring  expedi- 
tion, up  the  St.  Paul's,  which  had  hitherto  been  unexplored  by 
civilized  man,  except  to  Millsburg,  the  head  of  safe  navigation. 
The  river,  from  its  mouth,  is  most  beautiful.  Its  banks  are 
high  and  broken,  and  covered  with  the  most  dense  and  varie- 
gated verdure.  Along  the  banks,  here  and  there,  we  discovered 
an  African  town,  with  the  thatched  huts  intermingled  with  the 
broad  green  leaf  of  the  plantain,  of  which  the  beautiful  pea- 
green  colour  distinguishes  it  from  all  surrounding  verdure.  On 
our  approach  to  one  of  those  villages,  which  is  always  an- 
nounced by  our  boatmen,  with  their  African  boat-song,we  gen- 
erally found  all  the  inhabitants,  men,  women,  and  children, 
assembled  on  the  beach,  to  see  and  receive  us.  If  you  stop, 
you  are  immediately  carried  to  the  king  or  head-man's  house, 
where  you  are  expected  to  make  him  a  dash,  or  present,  before 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  267 

any  thing  is  said  or  done.  If  on  a  friendly  visit,  it  is  small,  and 
returned  by  a  dash  on  the  other  part.  But  if  on  business,  and 
you  have  any  great  object  to  effect,  your  dashes  must  be  larger 
and  more  numerous,  and  then  you  receive  nothing  in  return. 
After  passing  half  a  dozen  of  these  villages  on  the  St.  Paul's, 
and  ascending  twenty  miles,  we  arrived  at  Millsburg,  where 
we  slept  in  country  fashion,  but  had  a  good  supper  from  our 
store  basket.  In  the  morning  early,  we  left  the  settlement  with 
our  little  party,  as  the  natives  say,  'to  go  into  the  bush.'  One 
of  the  most  enterprising  of  our  settlers  had  penetrated  along 
one  of  the  branches  of  the  river,  by  following  the  paths  made 
by  wild  cattle,  for  about  two  miles,  and  we  determined  to  follow 
the  same  path,  as  far  as  it  would  lead  us.  As  the  underwood 
here  is  the  most  dense  and  close  that  can  be  imagined,  the 
course  of  procedure  is,  to  send  forward,  to  clear  the  path,  two 
or  three  of  the  natives  with  their  short  straight  cutlasses,  with 
which  they  open  the  paths  with  great  facility.  By  thus  cutting 
a  passage  through  the  underwood,  without  cutting  the  large 
trees  or  shrubbery,  a  perfect  alcove  is  formed,  and  you  are  en- 
tirely protected  from  the  action  of  the  sun,  which  is  only  now 
and  then  visible  through  the  opening  of  the  trees.  When  we 
had  advanced  in  our  route  about  two  miles,  we  came  to  a 
place  where  the  St.  Paul's  was  joined  by  a  considerable  stream, 
which  we  at  first  concluded  was  a  river  from  the  north;  but 
on  ascending  the  river  to  a  higher  point,  we  ascertained  that  it 
was  only  a  branch  which  had  separated  above,  and  was  reuni- 
ted at  this  spot.  We  were  exceedingly  anxious  to  cross  the 
river,  to  survey  the  beautiful  island  opposite ;  but  as  there  was 
no  other  means  of  getting  over  except  by  a  native  bridge,  we 
abandoned  the  idea.  The  native  bridges  are  constructed  of 
rattan,  or  country  rope,  and  consist  merely  of  cords  drawn  across 
the  river,  to  prevent  the  current  from  sweeping  the  swimmer 
down,  and  are  sometimes,  to  the  unskilful,  more  dangerous  than 
useful.  I  was  astonished  to  find  the  St.  Paul's  here  most  clear 
and  limpid.  Most  of  the  African  rivers  are  said  to  be  turbid  and 
muddy;  but  in  the  St.  Paul's,  the  bottom  was  visible  at  twenty 
feet,  and  the  fish,  which  were  numerous,  could  be  seen  for  many 
yards  from  us.  As  we  advanced  further  on  our  route,  up  the 
northern  branch,  which  we  were  determined  to  pursue  till  we 
came  to  the  main  stream  again,  our  path  was  crossed  by  many 
more  recent  wild  cattle  tracks,  all  leading  to  or  from  the  river ; 


2GS  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

and  \vc  occasionally  saw  the  broad  foot-print  of  the  elepiiant. 
After  following  the  course  of  this  branch  of  the  river  for  two 
hours,  we  found  that  we  should  have  to  leave  it,  or  deviate 
from  the  course  by  which  we  expected  to  strike  the  St.  Paul's 
above,  where  the  natives  told  us  it  made  a  great  sweep  or  bend, 
and  '  made  trouble  or  fuss.'  We  therefore  left  the  river,  and 
kept  on  northward  by  a  cattle  path,  which  soon  brought  us  to 
a  prairie.  This  was  evidently  an  artificial  prairie  ;  and  the 
numerous  palm  and  cotton  trees  soon  convinced  us  that  this 
had  been,  at  some  former  period,  the  seat  of  an  extensive  and 
populous  native  settlement.  The  appearance  of  the  solitary 
palm  tree  is  most  truly  majestic.  In  a  plain  on  which  there  is  no 
shrub  six  feet  high,  a  half  dozen  of  these  fine  trees  will  elevate 
their  smooth  round  trunks,  without  a  branch,  eighty  or  a  hun- 
dred feet,  and  then  expanding  their  heads,  by  opening  their 
broad  pea-green  leaves,  they  form  a  beautiful  umbrella  some 
twenty  or  thirty  feet  in  diameter.  After  following  a  straight 
line  through  this  prairie,  which  appeared  to  have  been  the  fa- 
vourite resort  of  the  wild  cattle  and  elephants,  about  two  or 
three  hours'  walk,  we  began  to  hear  the  roar  of  the  cataract, 
and  now  became  convinced  that  we  had  taken  the  proper 
course,  and  would  soon  again  be  in  sight  of  the  river,  breaking 
upon  our  view,  just  as  we  had  ascended  the  height  of  a  consi- 
derable mountain,  which  appeared  to  thrust  itself  immediately 
in  our  path.  From  this  height,  which  is  nearly  two  hundred 
feet,  I  had  a  view  of  the  St.  Paul's,  only  intercepted  here  and 
there  by  the  density  of  the  foliage.  I  found  what  the  natives 
had  described  as  a  tremendous  cataract  or  fall,  was  merely  ra- 
pids in  the  river,  produced  by  the  sudden  obstruction  of  its 
course  offered  by  the  chain  of  hills,  on  the  point  of  which  I 
then  stood.  As  soon  as  I  was  able  (for  we  had  all  been  com- 
pletely broken  down  in  the  ascent)  I  commenced  the  descent  of 
the  river,  down  a  bank  so  steep  that  nothing  but  a  strict  adhe- 
rence to  the  underwood  could  save  us  from  falling  down  the 
declivity.  On  arriving  at  the  foot  of  the  declivity,  close  down 
to  the  edge  of  the  river,  I  found  that  the  sweep  of  the  river  from 
its  original  course  was  caused  by  its  choosing  the  direction  of 
this  high  chain  of  hills.  The  St,  Paul's  here  is  wider,  and  con- 
tains more  water  than  the  Potomac.  It  is  a  much  more  beau- 
tiful stream  too,  for  its  banks,  though  fully  as  precipitous,  are 
clothed  with  the  richest  verdure,  and  this  verdure  is  of  a  more 
variegated  character. 


HISTORY    OF   AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  269 

"  We  continued  to  travel  over  the  rough  and  precipitous 
shores  of  the  river  for  about  two  hours,  until  we  arrived  at  a 
point  which  presented  to  our  view  the  first  distinct  fall  we  had 
seen.  At  this  point  we  came  to  a  beautiful  valley,  where  a 
small  stream,  rushing  down  the  rocks,  precipitated  itself  into  a 
natural  circular  basin  of  rocks,  which  presented  the  appearance 
of  an  artificial  basin." 

We  have  also  a  communication  to  the  Board,  written  imme- 
diately after  his  return  from  the  exploring  journey,  before  men- 
tioned. 

"  Gentlemen  :  The  brig  Romp,  Captain  Allen,  from  Portland, 
Maine,  being  about  to  depart  for  the  United  States, affords  me  an 
opportunity  of  communicating  with  you.  This  will  necessarily 
be  limited,  in  consequence  of  my  having  had  a  very  severe  at- 
tack of  the  fever ;  but  I  am  happy  to  say  that  I  am  so  far  con- 
valescent as  to  promise  myself  a  speedy  restoration  to  health. 
This  month,  although  called  by  some  residents  here,  the  sickly 
season,  has  not,  to  judge  from  the  few  cases  of  illness  that  come 
under  my  notice,  merited  that  appellation.  Indeed,  I  do  not 
know  any  part  of  the  United  States  where  the  proportion  of  the 
sick  is  not  full  as  great  as  here ;  nor  are  the  cases  of  a  refractory 
nature,  almost  all  yielding  to  medicine." 

He  then  proceeds  to  give  the  Board  various  details  of  the 
work  performed,  or  in  progress;  after  which  he  adds: 

"  The  agriculture  of  the  colony  appears  to  be  advancing 
slowly,  but  surely;  but  until  we  have  some  staple  that  will 
hold  out  greater  inducements  to  agriculturists  than  the  culti- 
vation of  rice  and  cassada,  but  little  can  be  expected. 

«  Towards  effecting  so  desirable  an  object,  I  intend  commenc- 
ing a  sugar  plantation  this  winter,  which  will  give  a  stimulus 
to  others  to  pursue  the  same  course,  and  direct  a  greater  portion 
of  enterprise  into  a  channel  which  will  eventually  prove  very 
advantageous  to  the  colony. 

"The  commercial  prospects  of  the  colony  are  at  present  very 
promising;  and  the  trade  to  this  place,  both  from  the  United 
States  and  Europe,  will  doubtless  increase  very  rapidly,  as  the 
inducements  held  out  to  merchants  are  greater,  every  year. 

"  The  Sabbath  and  day-schools  of  the  colony  are  in  a  tolera- 
bly flourishing  state,  but  the  want  of  a  person  to  give  instruction 
in  the  higher  branches  continues  to  be  severely  felt." 

He  then  mentions  his  exploring  expedhion,  and  promises  a 
23* 


270  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

fill]  account  of  it  in  a  future  communication.  But  alas,  this,  as 
far  as  is  known,  was  his  last  letter.  His  ardour  of  enterprise 
carried  him  too  far.  Before  he  was  well  recovered  from  the 
fever,  he  undertook  this  fatiguing  journey;  in  which  he  was 
exposed  to  the  sun  by  day,  and  the  damps  by  night,  at  that 
season  which  is  there  reckoned  most  unhealthy. 

The  mournful  account  of  the  death  of  Dr.  Randall  was  con- 
veyed to  the  Board  by  a  letter  from  Dr.  Mechlin,  a  young  gen- 
tleman who  had  accompanied  him  to  Liberia,  and  who  became 
his  successor.  He  states,  "that  he  died  on  the  19th  of  April, 
1S29,  of  an  inflammation  of  the  brain,  brought  on  by  too  early 
exposure  to  the  heat  of  the  sun,  and  by  a  too  close  and  unremit- 
ted attention  to  business,  before  he  had  recovered  from  the 
effects  of  the  fever. 

"  Dr.  Randall  was  born  at  Annapolis,  Maryland.  His  father 
was,  for  many  years,  the  collector  of  the  customs  in  that  place. 
Having  received  his  education  at  St.  John's  college,  Dr.  Ran- 
dall engaged  m  the  study  of  his  profession  with  Dr.  Ridgley, 
of  Annapolis,  and  subsequently  took  his  degree  of  Doctor  of 
Medicine,  at  the  Medical  School  in  Philadelphia.  About  the 
year  ISIS,  he  received  the  appointment  of  surgeon's  mate,  in 
the  army,  and  was  soon  advanced  to  the  rank  of  first  surgeon. 
But  in  1825,  he  resigned  his  commission,  and  commenced  the 
practice  of  medicine  in  the  city  of  Washington.  Of  the  man- 
ner in  which  he  performed  the  duties  of  his  profession,  one 
who  knew  him  well  has  given  the  following  testimony:  '  Such 
was  his  unbounded  benevolence  and  philanthropy,  that  no  ex- 
posure to  weather,  no  indisposition  of  body,  no  sacrifice  of 
private  interest,  could  prevent  his  eflbrts  to  relieve  the  distresses 
and  promote  the  happiness  of  his  fellow  beings.  To  the  poor, 
and  those  not  well  able  to  pay,  he  was  particularly  attentive, 
and  not  unfrequently  performed  surgical  operations  of  the  most 
difficult  kind,  without  any  other  reward,  than  that  (which,  in- 
deed, he  most  valued)  of  a  consciousness  of  having  fulfilled  his 
duty.  Instances,  unknown  even  to  his  friends  until  recently, 
have  come  to  light,  in  which,  not  only  his  medical  services 
were  gratuitously  rendered",  but  even  medicines  and  other  sup- 
plies furnished  to  the  needy  and  afliictcd,  at  his  own  expense.' 

"  But  his  abilities,  as  a  man  of  science,  could  not  remain  un- 
noticed, and  in  1827,  he  was  elected  to  the  professorship  of 
chemistry,  in  the  medical  department  of  Columbia   College. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  271 

For  some  time  before  his  departure  for  Africa,  Dr.  Randall 
had  been  an  able  and  efficient  member  of  the  Board  of  Mana- 
gers of  the  Colonization  Society.  In  the  various  deliberations 
of  this  Board,  he  evinced  a  deep  interest,  and  the  opinions  which 
he  not  unfrequentl}'-  expressed,  were  manifestly  those  of  a  dis- 
criminating, judicious,  resolute,  and  benevolent  mind." 

None  who  were  associated  with  him,  in  the  management  of 
the  society's  affairs,  can  forget  the  amiableness  and  frankness 
of  his  disposition,  the  candour  and  liberality  of  his  sentiments, 
the  ardour  of  his  feelings,  the  energy  of  his  intellect,  and  the 
force  of  his  purposes.  "He  was,"  says  one  well  acquainted 
with  him,  "  a  generous,  kind,  and  noble-minded  man.  Withal 
he  had  a  warmth  of  feeling,  which  uncontrolled,  would  have 
been  enthusiastic,  in  the  ordinary  sense  of  the  term,  but  which 
it  was  his  constant,  and  almost  invariably  successful  effort,  to 
order  by  a  sound  judgment.  The  achievements  and  talents  of 
Ashmun,  his  predecessor,  made  a  strong  impression  on  him. 
He  once  thought  Ashmun  a  weak  enthusiast,  and  that  his 
character  was  blazoned  forth  here  by  equally  deluded  vision- 
aries: but  his  judgment  was  enlightened,  and  his  opinions  have 
been  frequenly  expressed,  in  terms  of  the  highest  admiration, 
of  the  extraordinary  and  diversified  abilities  of  that  greatest 
earthly  friend  to  the  African  colony." 

The  same  friend  who  furnished  the  foregoing  sketch,  ob- 
served most  justly,  that  it  is  no  wonder,  considering  the  fine 
talents,  the  experience,  the  practical  views  of  Dr.  Randall,  that 
he  should  have  directed  his  thoughts  towards  such  an  object, 
as  tlie  government  of  the  colony  of  Liberia.  "The  station 
required  a  knowledge  of  the  objects  of  the  society  here  and 
there.  He  had  attained  this  knowledge  at  the  Board  of  Man- 
agers. The  station  required  a  mind  naturally  firm,  abounding 
with  energies,  liberalized  by  education  and  moral  principle, 
and  softened  with  benevolence.  These  traits  strongly  marked 
Dr.  Randall's  mind.  That  station  would  be  completely  provi- 
ded for,  if  to  the  above  qualifications  were  added,  skill  and 
experience  in  medicine.  He  was  an  accomplished  and  expe- 
rienced physician,  and  that  nothing  might  be  wanted  to  protect 
the  'verdant  spot  in  the  wilderness,'  he  had  spent  his  early  life 
in  the  army,  where  he  had  acquired  military  knowledge,  so 
necessary  to  defend  the  colony  against  the  natives." .  .  .  .  "  Hon- 


272  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION, 

oiired  among  men  will  be  the  memories  of  Bacon,  Ashmun, 
and  Randall." 

"When  Ashmun  died,  the  Managers  felt  that  the  colony  had 
lost  a  governor,  upon  the  wisdom  and  energy  of  whose  mea- 
sures, its  prosperity,  if  not  its  existence,  depended.  Dr.  Randall 
was  deeply  sensible  of  the  shock  which  our  institution  experi- 
enced in  this  event."  He  seems  to  have  formed  the  noble 
purpose  of  devoting  all  his  energies  to  this  arduous  and  danger- 
ous enterprise,  as  soon  as  he  heard  of  Ashmun's  death.  An 
intimate  friend  could  perceive  that  his  mind  was  labouring 
with  the  momentous  subject,  before  he  gave  any  expression  to 
his  feelings  or  intentions.  "When  admonished  by  kind  friends, 
of  the  danger  of  the  enterprise,  and  implored  to  remain  in  the 
flattering  career  which  he  had  commenced,  in  Washington,  he 
replied,  'that  in  doing  his  duty  he  disregarded  his  life;  and  that 
with  his  feelings  and  purposes,  he  could  readily  exchange  the 
endearing  intercourse  of  relations,  the  alluring  pleasures  of 
refined  society,  the  promised  success  of  professional  exertion,  for 
the  humble  duty  of  promoting  the  happiness  of  the  poor  ne- 
groes in  Africa,  and  be  happy  in  so  doing.^  " 

Perhaps  no  man  could  easily  be  found,  who  combined  more 
of  the  qualities  and  habits,  necessary  to  an  accomplished  agent, 
in  conducting  such  an  enterprise  successfully,  than  Dr.  Randall; 
and  it  was  hoped  that  his  medical  skill  and  experience  would 
have  enabled  him  to  guard  against  the  dangers  of  a  tropical 
climate:  and,  for  a  season,  he  enjoyed  perfect  health.  But 
losing  all  apprehension  of  danger,  and  excited  by  the  objects 
which  presented  themselves  in  Africa,  he  too  much  lost  sight 
of  the  dictates  of  prudence,  and  yielded  too  much  to  the  ar- 
dour of  his  natural  disposition.  However,  we  know  but  little 
about  the  real  causes  of  disease.  He  might  have  sunk  as 
many  others  have  done,  had  he  made  no  exertion. 

"  We  rejoice  in  the  belief,"  says  the  eloquent  writer,  from 
whom  we  have  borrowed  the  aforesaid  sketch,  "that  there  is 
a  quickening  and  undying  energy  in  virtue.  The  noble-minded 
bequeath  to  after  ages,  an  invaluable  and  imperishable  legacy, 
— the  legacy  of  their  example.  The  fires  which  consumed  the 
martyrs,  lighted  the  church  on  to  triumph ;  the  sufferings  and 
sacrifices  of  our  fathers,  are,  to  their  descendants,  among  the 
most  precious  motives  to  virtuous  action;  and  we  trust,  that 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  273 

the  names  of  those  who  have  fallen  in  the  glorious  work  of 
Africa's  redemption,  will  prove  as  'way-marks,'  guiding  an 
immense  population  on  the  shore  where  they  perished,  to 
knowledge,  liberty  and  religion." 

On  the  22d  of  June,  1829,  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the 
Colonization  Society,  passed  the  following  resolutions: 

"Inasmuch  as  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God,  to  remove  by 
death,  on  the  19th  of  April  last,  from  his  sphere  of  usefulness 
and  duty.  Dr.  Richard  Randall,  colonial  agent  at  Liberia,  be  it 

^'■Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Managers  hereby  express 
their  deep  sorrow  for  the  death  of  their  amiable  and  valued 
colleague  and  agent. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  relations  of  the  deceased  be  assured  of 
the  sympathies  of  the  members  of  this  Board,  the  more  deeply 
felt,  because  of  their  personal  knowledge  of  his  worth. 

"Resolved,  That  a  portrait  of  the  late  Colonial  Agent  be  ob- 
tained, and  placed  in  the  room  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the 
Colonization  Society." 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 


OPERATIONS  AT  HOME. 


It  will  be  necessary  now  to  return,  and  bring  up  the  history  of 
several  miscellaneous  matters,  which  occurred  in  the  period  of 
which  we  have  given  a  narrative  in  some  of  the  preceding 
chapters. 

The  anniversary  meeting  of  the  Colonization  Society  at 
Washington,  in  February,  1827,  was  one  of  great  interest. 
Among  the  delegates  from  abroad,  were  several  persons  of 
great  abilities  and  high  distinction,  in  different  States  of  the 
Union.  Mr.  Clay,  as  one  of  the  vice-presidents,  in  the  absence 
of  the  president.  Judge  B.  Washington,  took  the  chair;  but  in 
a  short  time,  resigned  it  to  Richard  Rush,  Esq.,  another  of  the 
vice-presidents.  Motions  were  made  or  seconded  by  General 
Van  Rensselaer,  the  Honourable  Mr.  Weems,  the  Honourable 
Mr.  Powell  of  Virginia,  Mr.  Knapp  of  Boston,  the  Honourable 


274  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Mr.  Lawrence,  and  others,  Mr.  Knapp  addressed  the  meetir)g 
in  a  speech  of  great  length  and  abiUty.  He  acknowledged  his 
own  former  prejudices  against  the  plan,  but  by  a  full  and  im- 
partial consideration  of  the  whole  subject,  he  had  been  con- 
vinced of  the  wisdom  and  benevolence  of  the  enterprise;  and 
entered  at  large  into  the  reasons  which  had  brought  his  mind 
to  entertain  the  sentiments  which  he  had  expressed.  Mr.  Knapp 
also  took  a  learned  view  of  Africa,  as  it  had  formerly  existed, 
when  it  was  foremost  in  arts  and  arms,  and  in  the  cultivation 
of  letters  and  religion. 

Mr.  Clay's  speech  at  this  meeting,  was  lucid,  eloquent,  and 
argumentative.  He  also  stated,  that  upon  hearing  of  the 
scheme,  his  first  impressions  were  unfavourable.  He  spoke  of 
the  opposition  which  the  society  had  met  from  two  opposite 
quarters,  from  its  very  commencement;  first,  from  that  class 
whom  nothing  could  satisfy,  but  immediate,  unqualified  eman- 
cipation of  all  the  slaves;  second,  from  those  who  believed 
that  slavery  was  a  good  and  useful  institution,  and  were  afraid, 
to  extreme  sensibility,  of  any  thing  which  in  the  most  indirect 
manner  seemed  to  have  a  bearing  on  emancipation.  He  re- 
marked, however,  that  no  great  enterprise  was  ever  accom- 
plished without  opposition;  and  spoke  highly  of  the  resolute 
and  even  course  pursued  by  the  society,  under  all  their  embar- 
rassments. He  showed,  that  slaves  were  not  at  all  embraced 
as  the  objects  of  the  society,  but  the  free  people  of  colour;  and 
that  in  regard  to  these,  it  proposed  no  coercion :  every  thing 
was  perfectly  voluntary.  He  noticed  the  predictions  which  had 
been  uttered,  that  none  would  be  found  willing  to  go ;  but  the 
fact  was,  that  the  society  had  never  experienced  any  difficulty 
in  obtaining  emigrants:  the  number  offered  was  always  greater 
than  their  means  of  comfortable  transportation.  "And  why,'* 
said  he,  "should  they  not  go?  Here  they  are  in  the  lowest 
state  of  social  degradation;  aliens,  political,  moral,  social  aliens; 
— strangers,  though  natives.  There,  they  would  be  in  the 
midst  of  their  friends,  and  their  kindred;  at  home,  though  born 
in  a  foreign  land! "  Mr.  Clay  took  up  the  objection,  from  the 
inadequacy  of  the  scheme  to  accomplish  what  it  undertook. 
He  denied  that  the  Colonization  Society  ever  contemplated,  by 
its  own  exertions,  to  transport  the  whole  African  race  within 
the  limits  of  the  United  States,  without  the  aid  of  the  general 
and  state  governments.   But  to  prove  that  it  was  not  a  chimeri- 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  275 

cal  but  a  practicable  object,  Mr.  Clay  entered  into  an  actual 
calculation  of  what  could  easily  be  done,  if  the  government  of 
the  United  States  and  of  the  several  States,  would  apply  their 
resources  to  this  object.  From  a  reference  to  facts  and  figures, 
it  was  made  evident,  that  there  was  nothing  impossible  in  the  full 
accomplishment  of  the  object.  While  Mr.  Clay  has  so  warmly 
advocated  the  cause  of  the  Colonization  Society,  and  so  firmly 
and  strenuously  opposed  the  mad  schemes  of  the  abolitionists, 
he  has  ever  openly  declared  his  hostility  to  slavery.  On  this 
subject,  he  says,  "If  I  could  be  instrumental  in  eradicating  this 
deepest  stain  upon  the  character  of  our  country,  and  removing 
all  cause  of  reproach,  on  account  of  it,  by  foreign  nations, — if  I 
could  be  only  instrumental  in  ridding  of  this  foul  blot  the 
revered  State  that  gave  me  birth,  or  that  not  less  beloved  State, 
which  kindly  adopted  me  as  her  son,  I  would  not  exchange 
the  proud  satisfaction  which  I  should  enjoy,  for  all  the  triumphs 
ever  decreed  to  the  most  successful  conqueror." 

He  then  proceeded  in  a  strain  of  eloquent  remark,  to  show, 
that  there  is  a  fitness  in  the  scheme  of  sending  these  people  to 
Africa,  the  land  of  their  fathers,  rather  than  to  any  other  coun- 
try. He  depicted,  in  striking  colours,  the  evils,  civil  and  moral, 
which  are  suffered  from  the  existence  of  these  people  among 
us;  and  expatiated  on  the  benefits  which  must  arise  from  colo- 
nizing them  on  the  African  continent.  "Every  emigrant  to 
Africa,"  said  he,  "  is  a  missionary,  carrying  with  him  creden- 
tials in  the  holy  cause  of  civilization,  religion,  and  free  institu- 
tions. Why  is  it,  that  the  degree  of  success  of  missionary 
exertion  is  so  limited,  and  so  discouraging  to  those  whose 
benevolence  and  piety  prompt  them?  Is  it  not  because  the 
missionary  is  generally  an  alien  and  a  stranger,  perhaps  of  a 
different  colour,  and  from  a  different  tribe?  There  is  a  sort  of 
instinctive  feeling  of  jealousy  and  distrust  towards  foreigners, 
which  repels  and  rejects  them  in  all  countries;  and  these  feel- 
ings are  in  proportion  to  the  ignorance  and  barbarism  which 
prevails.  But  the  African  colonists,  whom  we  send  to  convert 
the  heathen,  are  of  the  same  colour,  the  same  family,  the  same 
physical  constitution.  When  the  purposes  of  the  colony  are 
fully  understood,  they  will  be  received,  as  long  lost  brethren, 
restored  to  the  embraces  of  their  friends  and  their  kindred,  by 
the  dispensations  of  a  wise  Providence." 


276  UISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

The  Honourable  C.  F.  Mercer,  also  addressed  this  meeting 
■with  his  usual  clearness  and  ability.  The  object  of  his  speech 
was,  to  incite  the  society  to  do  what  they  could  to  put  an  end 
to  the  slave  trade;  that  they  should  address  a  memorial  to  every 
maritime  government,  in  the  language  of  the  respective  coun- 
tries, urging  them  to  put  an  end  to  this  nefarious  traffic,  by 
pronouncing  it  piracy. 

The  matters  comprehended  in  the  Tenth  Report  of  the  Board 
presented  to  the  Society  in  1827,  are  such  as  have  already  been 
noticed  in  our  history,  and  need  not  be  repeated.  The  appen- 
dix contains  a  number  of  resolutions  in  favour  of  the  coloniza- 
tion enterprise,  by  various  ecclesiastical  bodies,  most  of  which 
will  be  found  recorded  in  another  part  of  this  work.  We  have 
also  in  this  appendix  the  memorial  which  the  Board  of  Mana- 
gers presented  to  Congress,  soliciting  their  aid,  which  is  a  can- 
did, sober,  dignified  document,  and  worthy  of  being  preserved. 

The  anniversary  of  1828  was  not  less  interesting,  and  the 
Report  of  the  Board  more  animating  than  that  of  the  preceding 
year. 

General  Harper,  of  Baltimore,  made  the  first  speech  on  this 
occasion.  Among  other  encouraging  and  stirring  things  he 
said:  "  So  it  must  ever  be,  sir,  with  this  undertaking.  It  is  in 
harmony  with  the  noblest  and  best  feelings  of  the  human  heart; 
and  the  mind  itself  expands  and  glows  in  the  contemplation  of 
its  great  and  various  merits.  You  must  alter  our  nature  before 
you  can  make  us  indifferent  to  African  colonization.  Before 
you  can  arrest  its  course,  you  must  stifle  the  press,  and  lay  an 
interdict  on  the  liberty  of  speech.  Already,  the  cool  and  calcu- 
lating statesman  finds  himself  labouring  by  the  side  of  the  en- 
thusiastic devotee;  and  the  secluded  man  of  science  attains  by 
argument  the  same  conclusion  to  which  feeling  impels  the  mul- 
titude. It  is  thus  we  have  united  in  our  ranks  men  of  all  capa- 
cities, all  places,  all  denominations.  We  have  gone  to  the 
meetings  of  the  learned  and  astute,  and  they  have  favoured  us. 
We  have  gone  to  the  primary  assemblies  of  the  people,  and 
they  have  favoured  us.  The  people,  sir,  are  the  source  alike 
of  revenue  and  law.  To  them  we  have  gone.  We  have  called 
on  their  philanthropy,  their  patriotism,  their  religion.  They 
have  offered  us  their  hearts,  and  their  purses.  Our  agents 
have  penetrated  every  district  of  the  country,  to  explain  our 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  277 

views,  and  to  embody  those  who  approve,  to  convince  or  per- 
suade those  that  are  opposed,  and  to  convert  the  irregular  and 
precarious  donations,  upon  which  we  have  hitherto  subsisted, 
into  a  concerted  system  of  regular  and  steady  contribution, 

Mr.  Latrobe,  of  Baltimore,  next  addressed  the  meeting  in 
support  of  a  resolution,  contemplating  the  acquisition  of  new 
territory,  particularly  at  Cape  Palmas  and  the  island  of  Bula- 
ma;  of  both  which  places  he  gave  a  geographical  description, 
and  expatiated  on  the  advantages  which  must  attend  the  acqui- 
sition of  territory  so  important.  This  speech  is  replete  with 
important  information  respecting  the  whole  western  coast  of 
Africa. 

The  third  speech  on  this  occasion  was  delivered  by  Mr.  Harri- 
son, of  Lynchburg,  Virginia.  Mr.  Harrison  had  already  acquired 
no  small  celebrity  among  the  friends  of  colonization,  by  a  long 
and  animated  speech,  delivered  before  the  Lynchburg  Coloni- 
zation Society,  in  which,  as  a  native  Virginian,  he  took  more 
liberty  in  speaking  of  the  evils  of  slavery  than  would  have  been 
readily  accorded  to  a  stranger;  and,  indeed,  that  speech  would 
not  have  been  tolerated  in  that  State,  since  the  abolition  spirit 
of  the  North  has  roused  the  people's  feelings,  and  opened  their 
eyes  to  see  the  danger  which  threatened  them.  The  speech 
now  delivered  before  the  society  was  elaborate,  and  indicative 
of  an  energetic  and  benevolent  mind. 

The  meeting  was  also  addressed  by  Mr.  Key,  in  his  usual 
strain  of  clear,  strong,  good  sense.  Mr.  Key  has  been  from  the 
commencement  of  the  enterprise  one  of  the  most  judicious  and 
efficient  members  of  the  Board. 

Mr.  Custis,  of  Arlington,  also  made  a  speech,  characterized 
by  his  lively  imagination,  and  by  the  peculiar  associations  of  his 
mind,  which  he  always  exhibits  without  disguise. 

The  report,  as  has  been  intimated,  was  full  of  encouragement 
and  hope.  The  colonization  horizon  seemed  evidently  to  grow 
brighter. 

The  brig  Doris  left  Hampton  Roads  on  the  25th  of  February, 
1827,  and  after  a  passage  of  forty-five  days,  arrived  at  Liberia 
on  the  nth  of  April.  The  whole  number  of  passengers,  nine- 
ty-three, enjoyed  perfect  health,  and  the  only  effects  experienced 
from  the  climate  was  the  loss  of  two  children.  In  regard  to  the 
natives  of  North  Carolina,  in  this  expedition,  it  was  remarked 
by  Mr.  Ashmun,  that  "  all  the  change  they  seemed  to  have  un- 
24 


27S  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

dergone,  was  less  a  disease  than  a  salutary  effort  of  nature  to 
accommodate  the  physical  system  of  its  subjects  to  the  new  in- 
fluences of  a  tropical  climate."  These  emigrants  were  doubtless 
much  indebted  to  Mr.  William  P.  Matthews,  supercargo  and 
part  owner  of  the  Doris,  for  their  very  comfortable  passage. 
They  were  immediately  removed  to  a  large  building,  erected 
for  the  purpose,  at  Caldwell,  a  settlement  on  the  St.  Paul's. 

Shortly  before  the  arrival  of  the  Doris,  Lieut.  Norris,  of  the 
Shark,  had  visited  the  United  States  Agency  at  the  colony,  and 
by  his  presence  and  exertions  contributed  to  aid  the  influence 
of  the  colonial  government  for  the  suppression  of  the  slave 
trade,  and  to  strengthen  sentiments  of  good  will  towards  the 
settlement  among  the  neighbouring  tribes.  The  report  of  this 
oflicer  was,  "  That  he  found  the  colony  to  be  in  a  very  flourish- 
ing condition  ;  the  people  contented  and  healthy,  and  the  native 
tribes  friendly." 

By  a  decree  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  one 
hundred  and  forty-two  recaptured  Africans,  in  the  State  of 
Georgia,  were  placed  under  the  humane  provisions  of  the  law 
of  Congress,  which  authorizes  the  Executive  to  restore  to  their 
native  land  all  such  Africans  as  may  have  been  illegally  intro- 
duced into  this  country,  and  the  ship  Norfolk  was  employed  to 
convey  them  to  the  Agency  at  Liberia.  This  vessel  sailed  from 
Savannah  on  the  10th  of  July,  and  anchored  at  Cape  Mesu- 
rado  on  the  27th  of  August.  Of  this  whole  number,  in  one 
week  after  their  arrival,  not  more  than  twenty  remained  a 
charge  to  the  United  States.  They  were  taken  into  the  service 
of  the  colonists  for  terms  of  from  one  to  three  years,  and  some 
immediately  received  wages  for  their  labour. 

The  Board  were  so  much  encouraged  by  the  reports  from 
the  colony,  that  during  the  autumn  of  this  year  they  despatched 
three  vessels.  The  first  of  them  was  the  brig  Doris  again, 
which  sailed  from  Baltimore  on  the  10th  of  November,  having 
on  board  one  hundred  and  five  emigrants.  Of  this  whole  num- 
ber, more  than  one  half,  namely,  sixty-three,  were  liberated 
especially  for  colonization  in  Africa.  The  schooner  Randolph 
was  employed  by  the  society  to  convey  from  Georgetown,  South 
Carolina,  twenty-six  Africans,  manumitted  by  a  single  benevo- 
lent individual,  near  Cherav/.  This  vessel  sailed  for  the  colony 
on  the  5th  of  November.  Subsequently,  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
four  persons  embarked  in  the  brig  Nautilus.     These  last  were 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  279 

principally  from  the  lower  counties  of  North  Carolina,  and  had 
enjoyed  the  advice  and  superintendence  of  the  Society  of 
Friends. 

The  Doris,  after  a  protracted  voyage  of  sixty-one  days,  ar- 
rived at  Liberia  on  the  15th  of  January,  1S28.  The  only  death 
which  occurred  was  that  of  an  aged  female. 

The  schooner  Randolph,  arrived  on  the  17th  of  January,  and 
the  Nautilus,  on  the  19th  of  February.  From  the  too  crowded 
situation  of  the  passengers  in  the  Nautilus,  four  children  died, 
during  the  passage.  After  their  arrival,  the  emigrants  by  the 
Randolph  and  Nautilus,  suffered  little  from  the  climate;  but  the 
passengers  by  the  Doris  were  sorely  afflicted,  and  twenty-four 
of  their  number  fell  victims  to  disease.  The  season,  however, 
was  one  of  the  unhealthiest  ever  known.  During  the  past  year, 
the  number  of  emigrants  sent  to  Liberia,  amounted  nearly  to 
five  hundred :  as  many,  certainly,  as  it  would  have  been  pru- 
dent to  add  to  the  colony  in  one  year,  if  the  resources  of  the 
society  had  been  ever  so  ample.  The  whole  number  in  the 
colony,  at  this  time,  was  above  twelve  hundred.  Large  acces- 
sions were  made  during  this  year  to  the  territory  of  the  colony. 
Besides  the  country  on  Stockton  creek,  of  which  an  account  has 
already  been  given,  perpetual  and  entire  jurisdiction  had  been 
obtained  over  the  Junk  country,  a  territory  south-east  of  Mon- 
rovia. They  also  obtained  a  region  of  country  on  the  south 
branch  of  St.  John's  river.  But  the  situation  of  these  various 
acquisitions,  will  be  better  understood  by  a  single  glance  at  the 
map,  than  by  any  verbal  description. 

Information  was  about  this  time  received,  that  within  a  hun- 
dred and  fifty  miles  from  the  colony,  resides  a  comparatively 
civilized,  and  populous  nation,  where  the  horse  is  a  common 
domestic  animal ;  and  where  the  comforts  of  life  are  enjoyed  in 
abundance.  In  this  region,  the  Arabic  is  used  as  a  written  lan- 
guage, in  the  ordinary  commerce  of  life. 

Two  vice-presidents  of  the  society.  Col.  John  Eager  Howard, 
of  Maryland,  and  the  Hon.  William  Phillips  of  Boston,  finished 
their  earthly  career,  during  the  present  year.  The  Board  had 
also  to  lament  the  death  of  Dr.  Peaco,  late  physician  to  the 
colony,  who  died  at  Savannah  on  his  return  to  Africa. 

The  popular  favour  towards  the  society,  appeared  to  be  on 
the  increase;  and  contributions  to  its  funds  were  more  liberal 
than  in  any  former  year.     The  spirit  of  emigration  also  in- 


280  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

creased,  and  more  persons  were  offered  to  the  Board,  than  in 
any  former  year. 

But  no  event  of  the  past  year  seems  to  have  had  a  more  aus- 
picious bearing  on  tiie  Colonization  Society  than  the  appropria- 
tion, by  the  Legislature  of  Maryland,  of  one  thousand  dollars 
annually,  for  ten  years,  to  aid  in  the  removal  of  the  free  coloured 
population  of  that  State,  to  the  African  colony. 

The  committee  of  the  Board  which  had  been  directed  to  pre- 
sent a  memorial  to  Congress,  soliciting  aid  in  carrying  on  their 
benevolent  and  patriotic  scheme,  reported,  that  they  had  exe- 
cuted that  trust;  and  that  the  committee  to  whom  the  subject 
was  referred,  expressed  the  opinion,  that  it  would  not  be  easy 
to  discern  an  object,  to  which  the  pecuniary  resources  of  the 
Union  could  be  applied,  of  greater  importance  to  the  national 
security  and  welfare,  than  to  provide  for  the  removal,  in  a 
manner  consistent  with  the  rights  and  interests  of  the  several 
States,  of  the  free  coloured  population  within  their  limits. 
But  the  time  of  the  session  was  so  nearly  come  to  an  end, 
that  there  was  no  opportunity  of  any  action  on  the  report, 
but  the  prayer  of  the  memorialists  was  earnestly  recommended 
to  the  early  attention  of  the  House. 

Among  the  events  which  could  not  but  be  considered  disas- 
trous, was  the  death  of  the  Honorable  Judge  Washington, 
who  had  been  the  president  of  the  society  from  its  first  organi- 
zation. This  venerable  man  expired  in  Philadelphia,  while 
engaged  in  the  duties  of  his  office,  on  the  26th  of  November, 
1S29,  in  the  seventy-first  year  of  his  age.  Judge  Washington 
was  the  nephew  of  General  Washington,  who  manifested  his 
high  esteem  of  him,  by  leaving  him  Mount  Vernon,  and  a 
larger  share  of  his  property,  than  to  any  other  person.  He 
was  a  man  of  remarkable  purity  of  moral  character,  and  did 
not  conceal  his  firm  belief  in  the  truth  of  the  Christian  religion, 
but  made  an  open  profession  of  the  same  in  the  Episcopal 
church,  in  which  he  was  a  regular  communicant.  His  under- 
standing was  excellent,  and  his  diligence  in  study,  during  a 
great  part  of  his  life,  could  not  be  surpassed.  His  knowledge 
of  the  law  was  so  perfect,  that  when  he  had  an  important 
cause  committed  to  him,  as  an  attorney,  it  was  usually  taken 
for  granted  by  the  court,  that  every  precedent  had  been  ex- 
amined and  adduced,  which  had  any  bearing  on  the  point  at 
issue.     And  as  a  judge,  his  incorruptible  integrity  and  unsus- 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  281 

pected  impartiality,  raised  him  very  higli  in  the  estimation,  not 
only  of  the  legal  profession,  but  of  the  whole  community. 
Judge  Washington  continued  to  the  end  of  his  life  to  feel  a 
lively  interest  in  the  Colonization  Society,  although  his  press- 
ing professional  duties  prevented  him  from  devoting  as  much 
of  his  time  to  its  interests  as  he  wished:  but  he  was  ever  a 
liberal  contributor  to  its  funds.  At  the  first  annual  meeting  of 
the  society,  he  delivered  an  address,  an  extract  from  which  will 
not  be  inappropriate,  in  this  place. 

"In  the  magnificent  plans  carrying  on  for  the  improvement 
and  happiness  of  mankind,  in  many  parts  of  the  world,  we 
cannot  but  discern  the  interposition  of  Almighty  power,  who 
alone  could  inspire  and  crown  with  success,  these  great  pur- 
poses. But  amongst  them  all,  there  is,  perhaps,  none,  upon 
which  we  may  more  properly  implore  the  blessing  of  heaven, 
than  that  in  which  we  are  now  associated.  Whether  we  con- 
sider the  grandeur  of  the  object,  and  the  wide  sphere  of  phi- 
lanthropy which  it  embraces,  or  whether  we  view  the  present 
state  of  its  progress,  under  the  auspices  of  this  society,  and  under 
the  obstacles  which  might  have  been  expected  from  the  cupid- 
ity of  many,  we  may  discover  in  each  a  certain  pledge,  that 
the  same  benignant  hand  which  has  made  these  preparatory 
arrangements,  will  crown  our  efforts  with  success.  Having, 
therefore,  these  motives  of  piety  to  consecrate  and  strengthen  the 
powerful  considerations  which  a  wise  policy  suggests,  we  may, 
I  trust,  confidently  rely  upon  the  liberal  exertions  of  the  public, 
for  the  necessary  means  of  effecting  this  highly  interesting 
object." 

Entertaining  such  views.  Judge  Washington  was  prepared 
to  rejoice  in  all  the  successes  of  the  institution  over  which  he 
presided,  and  to  meet  with  Christian  fortitude  and  firmness,  all 
the  obstacles  inevitably  to  be  encountered  in  its  progress.  He 
did  much  to  advance  its  interests,  and  was  far  from  considering 
his  obligations  limited  to  the  influence  of  his  opinions,  and  the 
weight  of  his  name. 

The  resolution  adopted  by  the  Board,  upon  hearing  of  the 
decease  of  their  president,  was  in  the  following  words:  "The 
Board  having  learned  with  the  deepest  regret,  that  the  revered 
and  distinguished  President  of  the  Colonization  Society,  the 
Honorable  Bushrod  Washington,  expired  at  Philadelphia,  on 
the  26th  of  November,  and  desirous  of  expressing  their  respect 
24* 


2S2  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

for  the  character,  and  grief  for  the  loss  of  this  eminent  man, 
therefore.  Resolved,  that  the  members  of  this  Board  will  wear 
crape  on  the  left  arm,  for  the  space  of  thirty  days ;  and  that 
a  committee  be  appointed  to  express  the  cordial  sympathy  of 
this  Board  with  the  relatives  of  the  deceased,  and  the  affection- 
ate remembrance  which  the  members  cherish,  of  his  eminent 
intellectual  and  moral  worth." 

It  has,  in  a  former  chapter,  been  mentioned,  that  the  young 
men  in  the  missionary  school  at  Basle,  in  Switzerland,  had 
turned  their  attention  to  West  Africa,  as  the  field  of  their 
labours.  Of  these  Mr.  Sessing  was  the  only  one  who  escaped 
the  deleterious  effects  of  the  African  climate;  and  he  was 
obliged  to  leave  Bassa,  where  he  had  been  labouring  fourteen 
months,  to  conduct  Mr.  Hegele  back  to  Switzerland,  who  was 
exceedingly  debilitated  by  disease. 

These  disasters,  however,  did  not  discourage  the  young  men 
of  the  seminary,  nor  the  Missionary  Society  of  Basle;  but  they 
immediately  sent  out  Mr.  Sessing  again,  with  three  brethren; 
and,  as  it  had  been  suggested  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blumhardt,  that 
it  might  answer  a  good  end,  if  these  missionaries  would  take 
America  in  their  way,  that  they  might  confer  with  the  Mana- 
gers of  the  Colonization  Society,  in  whose  territory  they  were 
to  be  situated;  these  missionary  brethren,  accordingly,  arrived 
at  New  York,  bearing  a  letter  from  Dr.  Blumhardt  to  Mr. 
Gurley,  the  Secretary  of  the  American  Colonization  Society. 
The  true  spirit  of  the  Swiss  Society  may  be  learned  from  the 
following  brief  extracts  from  the  aforesaid  letter: 

"  Permit  me,  my  dear  sir,  to  introduce  to  you  and  your  com- 
mittee, four  of  my  dearly  beloved  missionary  brethren,  Messrs. 
Sessing,  Dietschy,  Buhrer,  and  Graner,  with  the  wife  of  Mr. 
Sessing,  who  are  going  to  Liberia  as  messengers  of  salvation, 
and  who  have  been  directed  by  our  INIissionary  Society  to 
make  their  passage  to  Africa  by  the  way  of  North  America, 
with  the  view,  not  only  to  explain  personally  to  you,  and  your 
honorable  committee,  our  sincere  and  warm  feelings  of  Chris- 
tian affection  towards  you,  and  the  sacred  work  of  your  hands, 
and  to  be  the  instruments  of  entering  into  a  full  and  active 
communion  of  Christian  fellowship  and  interests,  with  your 
Christian  Society,  but  to  make  a  modest  trial,  with  your  broth- 
erly advice,  if  some  of  our  and  your  Christian  brethren,  under 
the  blessing  of  God,  might  be  united  in  an  auxiliary  society,  iu 


HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  283 

behalf  of  their  missionary  exertions  amongst  the  poor  negro 
tribes,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  your  African  colony." — "Our 
God  and  Saviour  has  been  pleased  to  try,  by  truly  heavy  ca- 
lamities, even  the  first  beginning  of  our  work  in  Africa.  Five 
of  our  dearly  beloved  brethren  have  been  reduced  in  the  first 
year,  to  one,  who  is  still  struggling  with  difficulties  from  all 
sides ;  but  we  all  are  permitted,  by  divine  grace,  to  say  with 
St.  Paul,  'we  are  troubled  on  every  side,  yet  not  distressed;' 
we  are  perplexed,  but  not  in  despair;  and  we  fully  trust  in  the 
Lord,  that  by  our  dearly  beloved  brethren,  though  bearing 
about  in  the  body  the  dying  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  yet  tlie  life  of 
Jesus  will  be  manifested  in  their  body." 

"  Our  brethren  intend  to  commence  their  work  with  the 
Bassa  people,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Liberia,  while  Mr. 
Dietschy,  as  agent  of  our  society,  in  all  external  afiairs  and 
wants  of  our  mission  there,  shall  take  up  his  permanent  abode 
in  the  missionary  house,  at  Monrovia,  which  our  truly  lament- 
ed friend,  Mr.  Ashmun,  was  so  kind  as  to  leave  by  his  will  to 
our  German  mission  in  Africa. 

"  Mr.  Sessing  intends  to  make  provision  of  a  small  vessel  for 
continuing  the  connexion  of  the  Bassa  Cove  mission  with  the 
colony." 

At  a  public  meeting,  held  in  Philadelphia,  with  the  mission- 
aries from  Switzerland,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sessing,  one  of  their  num- 
ber, made  a  deeply  interesting  address  to  the  assembly,  which, 
though  pronounced  in  a  broken  manner,  was  well  received, 
and  was  replete  with  views  and  considerations  adapted  to  pro- 
mote the  cause  of  African  missions  and  colonization. 

During  the  year  1829,  the  Synod  of  Virginia  resolved  to 
establish  a  school  at  Liberia,  and  appointed  Mr.  Joseph  Shep- 
herd, a  coloured  man,  who  had  successfully  conducted  a  school 
in  Richmond,  as  their  teacher;  and  he  accordingly  sailed  in  the 
Harriet. 

But  a  still  more  interesting  accession  to  the  colony  was  Mr. 
J.  B.  Russwurm,  a  young  man  of  colour,  who  had  been  liberally 
educated,  and  graduated  at  Bowdoin  College,  Maine.  This 
person  undertook  to  publish  a  paper  for  the  coloured  people  in 
the  city  of  New  York,  in  connexion  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cornish. 
The  sentiments  expressed  in  this  paper  were  in  opposition  to 
the  principles  of  the  Colonization  Society,  and  were  often  ex- 


2S4  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

pressed  with  a  violence  which  was  offensive  to  many.  But 
Mr.  Russwurm  was  the  enemy  of  this  noble  enterprise  only 
because  he  did  not  understand  its  real  principles.  As  soon  as 
he  had  opportunity  of  a  full  examination  of  the  subject,  he 
declared  himself  a  convert  to  the  principles  of  the  coloniza- 
tionists.  And  having  thus  changed  his  views,  he  soon  gave  a 
practical  proof  of  his  sincerity,  by  offering  to  go  out  to  Liberia, 
and  was  cordially  received  by  the  Board.  Few  men,  who 
have  gone  to  Africa,  have  exerted  a  more  considerable  in- 
fluence than  Mr.  Russwurm, — for  soon  after  his  arrival,  he  set 
up  a  paper  entitled,  "The  Liberia  Herald,"  which,  for  several 
years,  he  edited  with  such  ability,  that  it  attracted  attention  and 
obtained  many  subscribers  in  the  United  States.  This  gentle- 
man, however,  has  been  invited  to  act  as  the  general  agent,  or 
rather  governor  of  the  colony  of  New  Maryland,  at  Cape  Pal- 
mas,  where  his  administration  up  to  the  last  accounts  continued 
to  give  general  satisfaction,  both  to  the  colonists,  and  to  the 
managers  of  the  society,  in  Baltimore. 

About  the  middle  of  this  year,  the  managers  in  Washington, 
received  a  visit  from  two  native  Africans,  who  belonged  to  the 
nation  so  well  known  every  where  along  the  coast,  under  the 
name  of  Kroomen.  Six  of  these  having  gone  aboard  of  a 
Mexican  brig  in  quest  of  employment,  lost  their  canoe,  and 
having  no  means  of  reaching  the  shore,  were  brought  to  Ame- 
rica. One  of  them,  called  Prince  Will,  had  been  long  in  the 
service  of  Mr.  Ashmun,  and  stood  by  him,  as  his  devoted  friend, 
when  the  attack  was  made  upon  the  settlement  by  the  natives. 
These  Kroomen  expressed  a  strong  desire,  that  an  American 
settlement  should  be  made  in  their  country,  about  two  hundred 
miles  south-east  of  Monrovia.  These  Africans  were  exhibited 
with  advantage,  at  several  public  meetings,  in  our  large  cities : 
and  were  then  sent  back  to  their  own  country,  with  letters  re- 
commending them  to  American  merchants  on  the  coast  of 
Africa. 

The  communications  received  from  Liberia,  were  such  as  to 
induce  the  opinion,  that  the  slave  trade  was  still  carried  on  in 
different  parts  of  the  coast,  with  no  mitigation  of  the  horrors 
which  had  before  attended  it.  Dr.  Randall  gave  it  as  his 
opinion,  that  the  trade  could  only  effectually  be  destroyed  by 
ten  or  twelve  well-armed,  light,  fast  sailing  schooners,  which 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  285 

might  touch  at  those  places,  from  whence  the  slaves  are  taken; 
which  should  relieve  one  another  and  remain  in  this  service  the 
whole  year. 

The  vacancy  which  had  occurred  in  the  colonial  agency,  by 
the  lamented  death  of  Dr.  Randall,  was  supplied  by  the  election 
of  Dr.  Mechlin,  already  at  Liberia.  The  Board  expressed  a 
strong  confidence  in  the  energy,  intelligence,  and  prudence  of 
this  young  gentleman. 

Dr.  Mechlin  had  gone  out  with  Dr.  Randall,  in  the  capacity 
of  physician  to  the  colony;  but  by  being  appointed  colonial 
agent,  he  was  necessarily  called  off  from  the  performance  of 
medical  services;  whereupon,  the  Board  chose  Dr.  G.  W.  An- 
derson, of  Hagerstown,  Maryland,  as  physician  and  assistant 
agent  of  the  colony  of  Liberia ;  concerning  whom,  the  Board 
observe,  "  The  character,  talents,  and  acquirements  of  this  gen- 
tleman, give  assurance,  that  the  duties  to  which  he  is  called, 
will  be  faithfully  and  ably  executed." 

In  consequence  of  the  frequent  change  of  colonial  agents,  the 
financial  affairs  of  the  Board  began,  about  this  time,  to  be 
embarrassed.  Expenses  had  been  increased  at  Monrovia,  with- 
out the  knowledge  of  the  Board,  and  when  the  bills  were  for- 
warded, they  were  not  prepared  to  liquidate  the  debts  con- 
tracted. Much  injury  to  the  cause,  arose  from  these  pecuniary 
embarrassments,  which,  at  one  time,  threatened  the  existence 
of  the  society  and  darkened  the  prospects  of  the  colony. 

The  general  sentiment,  however,  was  manifestly  more  and 
more  favourable  to  the  objects  of  the  society.  Resolutions  of 
civil  and  ecclesiastical  bodies  recommending  the  objects  of  the 
society  became  so  numerous,  that  it  would  be  tedious  to  enu- 
merate them.  The  clergy,  of  all  Christian  denominations, 
entered  cordially  into  the  views  of  the  Board,  and  many  of 
them  took  up  collections  to  aid  its  funds,  on  or  about  the  fourth 
of  July. 

As  early  as  1825,  the  Board  had  formed  a  constitution,  or  set 
of  fundamental  regulations  for  the  government  of  the  colony. 
As  Mr.  Gurley  and  Mr.  Ashmun  had,  agreeably  to  the  discre- 
tion granted  to  them,  adopted  for  the  colony  a  set  of  laws  and 
regulations,  which  went  immediately  into  force,  and  which 
had  operated  successfully,  the  committee  now  appointed  by  the 
Board  to  attend  to  this  matter,  were  directed  to  consider  whether 
these  laws  should  be  continued,  amended,  or  repealed,  and 


286  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Others  introduced.  In  their  report,  they  approved  the  same, 
and  recommended  that  they  be  considered  as  in  force,  in  the 
colony. 

The  substance  of  the  constitution,  or  fundamental  laws  of  the 
colony,  adopted  by  the  Board,  is  contained  in  the  following 
articles  : — 

Article  I.  All  persons  born  in  the  colony  or  removing 
thither,  to  be  free  and  to  enjoy  the  rights  of  citizens. 

Art.  II.  The  Colonization  Society  shall  make  such  laws  and 
rules  as  they  judge  best;  until  they  withdraw  their  agents,  and 
resign  the  government  into  the  hands  of  the  people. 

Art.  III.  Society's  agents  to  compose  a  Board  and  exercise 
judicial  powers. 

Art.  IV.  Agents  shall  appoint  all  officers  not  appointed  by 
the  Board. 

Art.  V.  There  shall  be  no  slavery  in  the  colony. 

Art.  VI.  The  common  law  to  be  in  force,  as  in  the  United 
States. 

Art.  VII.  Every  settler  to  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  at  the 
age  of  twenty-one. 

Art.  VIII.  Agents  authorized  to  make  rules  for  cases  not 
provided  for. 

Art.  IX.  This  constitution  must  be  so  administered,  as  not 
to  interfere  with  the  agents,  and  regulations  of  the  United 
States. 

Art.  X.  Provides  for  alterations. 

Mr.  Ashmun,  after  seeing  the  operation  of  the  digest  of  laws 
formed  for  the  colony,  was  able  to  suggest  several  alterations 
and  additions,  which  he  communicated  to  the  Board  before  his 
death.  This  code  the  Board,  after  revision,  adopted.  The 
laws  relate  to  the  following  particulars : 

1.  Power  of  the  colonial  agent. 

2.  Qualifications  of  voters. 

3.  Annual  appointment  of  civil  officers. 

4.  The  officers  to  be  chosen  by  the  qualified  voters,  but  the 
agent  to  have  a  negative.  The  officers  to  be  thus  chosen,  are, 
a  vice-agent,  two  councillors,  a  sheriff,  a  register,  and  a  trea- 
surer, and  for  every  settlement  containing  not  less  than  sixty 
families,  two  commissioners  of  agriculture,  two  commissioners 
of  health,  and  two  censors. 

5.  The  vice-agent  to  consult  with  the  agent,  and  in  case  of 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION.  287 

his  death  or  absence,  to  assume  the  chief  superintendence  of  the 
colony. 

6.  The  vice-agent  and  two  councillors  shall  constitute  a 
council. 

7.  Vice-agent  must  consult  his  council  in  cases  of  impor- 
tance. 

8.  The  high-sheriff  to  preside  personally,  or  by  his  deputies, 
at  elections;  act  as  marshal;  execute  processes,  judgments,  and 
commands  of  the  courts. 

9.  The  secretary  shall  carefully  keep  the  papers  and  records 
of  the  colony,  and  record  the  acts  and  proceedings  of  the  agents 
and  council,  &c. 

10.  The  register  shall  record  all  public  documents  of  the 
government. 

11.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  and  keep  safely,  all  moneys 
and  public  securities,  &c. 

12.  Commissioners  shall  be  the  organs  of  government,  and 
report  to  them. 

13.  The  censors  shall  act  as  conservators  of  public  morals, 
and  possess  all  the  powers  incident  to  grand  jurors. 

14.  The  judiciary  to  consist  of  the  agent,  and  justices  to  be 
appointed  by  him.    All  officers  of  court  appointed  by  the  agent. 

15.  Relates  to  the  militia  of  the  colony. 

As  many  prejudices  began  to  be  artfully  excited  in  the  minds 
of  the  free  people  of  colour  in  the  United  States,  against  the 
colonization  scheme,  and  against  the  colony  itself,  the  people  of 
Monrovia,  at  a  public  meeting  on  the  27th  of  August,  1827, 
united  in  an  "  Address"  to  the  coloured  people  of  the  United 
States,  in  which  they  undertook  to  give  them  correct  informa- 
tion respecting  the  condition  of  the  colony.  This  address  is 
ably  drawn  up,  and  contains  a  clear  and  candid  statement  of 
facts  in  relation  to  the  condition  and  contentedness  of  the  colo- 
nists. And  although  it  is  long,  yet,  as  it  contains  authentic 
information  of  the  then  state  of  the  colony,  it  will  be  best  to 
insert  it  entire. 

"  As  much  speculation  and  uncertainty  continues  to  prevail 
among  the  people  of  colour  in  the  United  States,  respecting  our 
situation  and  prospects  in  Africa ;  and  many  misrepresentations 
have  been  put  in  circulation  there,  of  a  nature  slanderous  to 
us,  and,  in  their  effects,  injurious  to  them;  we  felt  it  our  duty, 


288  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

by  a  true  statement  of  our  circumstances,  to  endeavour  to  cor- 
rect them. 

"The  first  consideration  which  caused  our  voluntary  remo- 
val to  this  country,  and  the  object,  which  we  still  regard  with 
the  deepest  concern,  is  liberty — liberty,  in  the  sober,  simple,  but 
complete  sense  of  the  word:  not  a  licentious  liberty,  nor  a  liber- 
ty without  government,  or  which  should  place  us  without  the 
restraint  of  salutary  laws — but  that  liberty  of  speech,  action, 
and  conscience,  which  distinguishes  the  free  enfranchised  citi- 
zens of  a  free  State.  We  did  not  enjoy  that  freedom  in  our 
native  country  ;  and,  from  causes  which,  as  respects  ourselves, 
we  shall  soon  forget  for  ever,  we  were  certain  it  was  not  there 
attainable  for  ourselves  or  our  children.  This,  then,  being  the 
first  object  of  our  pursuit  in  coming  to  Africa,  is  probably  the 
first  object  on  which  you  will  ask  for  information.  And  we 
must  truly  declare  to  you,  that  our  expectations  and  hopes,  in 
this  respect,  have  been  realized.  Our  constitution  secures  to 
us,  so  far  as  our  condition  allows, "  all  the  rights  and  privileges 
enjoyed  by  the  citizens  of  the  United  States ;"  and  these  rights 
and  privileges  are  ours.  We  are  proprietors  of  the  soil  we  live  on, 
and  possess  the  rights  of  freeholders.  Our  suffrages,  and,  what 
is  of  more  importance,  our  sentiments  and  our  opinions  have 
their  due  weight  in  the  government  we  live  under.  Our  laws 
are  altogether  our  own:  they  grow  out  of  our  circumstances; 
are  framed  for  our  exclusive  benefit ;  and  administered  either 
by  officers  of  our  own  appointment,  or  such  as  possess  our  con- 
fidence. We  have  a  judiciary,  chosen  from  among  ourselves; 
we  serve  as  jurors  in  the  trial  of  others;  and  are  liable  to  be 
tried  only  by  juries  of  our  fellow-citizens,  ourselves.  We  have 
all  that  is  meant  by  Liberty  of  Conscience.  The  time  and 
mode  of  worshipping  God,  as  prescribed  to  us  in  his  word,  and 
dictated  by  our  conscience,  we  are  not  only  free  to  follow,  but 
are  protected  in  following. 

"Forming  a  community  of  our  own,  in  the  land  of  our  fore- 
fathers; having  the  commerce,  and  soil,  and  resources,  of  the 
country  at  our  disposal ;  we  know  nothing  of  that  debasing  in- 
feriority with  which  our  very  colour  stamped  us  in  America: 
there  is  nothing  here  to  create  the  feeling  on  our  part — nothing 
to  cherish  the  feeling  of  superiority  in  the  minds  of  foreigners 
who  visit  us.     It  is  this  moral  emancipation — this  liberation  of 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  289 

the  mind  from  worse  than  iron  fetters — that  repays  us  ten  thou- 
sand times  over,  for  all  that  it  has  cost  us,  and  makes  us  grate- 
ful to  God  and  our  American  patrons  for  the  happy  change 
which  has  taken  place  in  our  situation.  We  are  not  so  self- 
complacent  as  to  rest  satisfied  with  our  improvement,  either  as 
regards  our  minds  or  our  circumstances.  We  do  not  expect  to 
remain  stationary.  Far  from  it.  But  we  certainly  feel  our- 
selves, for  the  first  time,  in  a  state  to  improve  either  to  any  pur- 
pose. The  burthen  is  gone  from  our  shoulders:  we  now  breathe 
and  move  freely;  and  know  not  (in  surveying  your  present 
state)  for  which  to  pity  you  most — the  empty  name  of  liberty, 
which  you  endeavour  to  content  yourselves  with,  in  a  country 
that  is  not  yours,  or  the  delusion  which  makes  you  hope  for 
ampler  privileges  in  that  country  hereafter.  Tell  us,  which  is 
the  white  man,  who,  with  a  prudent  regard  to  his  own  charac- 
ter, can  associate  with  one  of  you,  on  terms  of  equality?  Ask 
us,  which  is  the  white  man  who  would  decline  such  association 
with  one  of  our  number,  whose  intellectual  and  moral  qualities 
are  not  an  objection  ?  To  both  these  questions  we  unhesita- 
tingly make  the  same  answer :  There  is  no  such  white  man. 

'•  We  solicit  none  of  you  to  emigrate  to  this  country :  for  we 
know  not  who  among  you  prefers  rational  independence, and  the 
honest  respect  of  his  fellow-men,  to  that  mental  sloth  and  care- 
less poverty  which  you  already  possess,  and  your  children  will 
inherit  after  you,  in  America.  But  if  your  views  and  aspira- 
tions rise  a  degree  higher — if  your  minds  are  not  as  servile  as 
your  present  condition — we  can  decide  the  question  at  once; 
and  with  confidence  say,  that  you  will  bless  the  day,  and  your 
children  after  you,  when  you  determined  to  become  citizens  of 
Liberia. 

"But  we  do  not  hold  this  language  on  the  blessings  of  liberty 
for  the  purpose  of  consoling  ourselves  for  the  sacrifice  of  health, 
or  the  suffering  of  want,  in  consequence  of  our  removal  to  Afri- 
ca. We  enjoy  health  after  a  few  months'  residence  in  the  coun- 
try, as  uniformly,  and  in  as  perfect  a  degree,  as  we  possessed 
that  blessing  in  our  native  country.  And  a  distressing  scarcity 
of  provisions,  or  any  of  the  comforts  of  life,  has  for  the  last  two 
years  been  entirely  unknown,  even  to  the  poorest  persons  in 
this  community.  On  these  points  there  are,  and  have  been, 
much  misconception  and  some  malicious  misrepresentation  in 
the  United  States. 
25 


290  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

"We  have  nearly  all  suffered  from  sickness,  and,  of  the  earliest 
emigrants,  a  large  proportion  fell  in  the  arduous  attempt  to  lay 
the  foundation  of  the  colony.  But  are  they  the  only  persons 
whose  lives  have  been  lost  in  the  cause  of  human  liberty,  or 
sacrificed  to  the  welfare  of  their  fellow-men?  Several  out  of 
every  ship's  company  have,  within  the  last  four  years,  been 
carried  off  by  sickness,  caused  by  the  change  of  climate.  And 
death  occasionally  takes  a  victim  from  our  number,  without  any 
regard  at  all  to  the  time  of  his  residence  in  this  country.  But 
we  never  hoped,  by  leaving  America,  to  escape  the  common  lot 
of  mortals — the  necessity  of  death,  to  which  the  just  appoint- 
ment of  Heaven  consigns  us.  But  we  do  expect  to  live  as  long, 
and  pass  this  life  with  as  little  sickness  as  yourselves. 

"  The  true  character  of  the  African  climate  is  not  well  under- 
stood in  other  countries.  Its  inhabitants  are  as  robust,  as  heal- 
thy, as  long  lived,  to  say  the  least,  as  those  of  any  other  coun- 
try. Nothing  like  an  epidemic  has  ever  appeared  in  this  colo- 
ny; nor  can  we  learn  from  the  natives,  that  the  calamity  of  a 
sweeping  sickness  ever  yet  visited  this  part  of  the  continent. 
But  the  change  from  a  temperate  to  a  tropical  country  is  a 
great  one — too  great  not  to  affect  the  health,  more  or  less — and, 
in  the  cases  of  old  people,  and  very  young  children,  it  often 
causes  death.  In  the  early  years  of  the  colony,  want  of  good 
houses,  the  great  fatigues  and  dangers  of  the  settlers,  their  irre- 
gular mode  of  living,  and  the  hardships  and  discouragements 
they  met  with,  greatly  helped  the  other  causes  of  sickness, 
which  prevailed  to  an  alarming  extent,  and  were  attended  with 
great  mortality.  But  we  look  back  to  those  times  as  to  a  sea- 
son of  trial  long  past,  and  nearly  forgotten.  Our  houses  and 
circumstances  are  ndw  comfortable;  and,  for  the  last  two  or 
three  years,  not  one  person  in  forty,  from  the  Middle  and  South- 
ern States,  has  died  from  the  change  of  climate.  The  disas- 
trous fate  of  the  company  of  settlers  who  came  out  from  Boston 
in  the  brig  Vine,  eighteen  months  ago,  is  an  exception  to  the 
common  lot  of  emigrants;  and  the  causes  of  it  ought  to  be  ex- 
plained. Those  people  left  a  cold  region  in  the  coldest  part  of 
winter,  and  arrived  here  in  the  hottest  season  of  our  year. 
Many  of  them  were  too  old  to  have  survived  long  in  any  coun- 
try. They  most  imprudently  neglected  the  prescriptions  of  our 
very  successful  physician,  the  Rev.  Lott  Gary,  who  has  great 
experience  and  great  skill  in  the  fevers  of  the  country,  and  de- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  291 

pended  on  medicines  brought  with  them,  which  could  not  fail 
to  prove  injurious.  And,  in  consequence  of  all  those  unfortu- 
nate circumstances,  their  sufferings  were  severe,  and  many 
died.  But  we  are  not  apprehensive  that  a  similar  calamity 
will  befall  any  future  emigrants,  except  under  similar  disad- 
vantages. 

"People  now  arriving  have  comfortable  houses  to  receive 
them ;  will  enjoy  the  regular  attendance  of  a  physician  in  the 
slight  sickness  that  may  await  them;  will  be  surrounded  and 
attended  by  healthy  and  happy  people,  who  have  borne  the 
effects  of  the  climate,  who  will  encourage  and  fortify  them 
against  that  despondency  which,  alone,  has  carried  off  several 
in  the  first  years  of  the  colony. 

"  But  you  may  say  that  even  health  and  freedom,  good  as 
they  are,  are  still  dearly  paid  for,  when  they  cost  you  the  com- 
mon comforts  of  life,  and  expose  your  wives  and  children  to 
famine,  and  all  the  evils  of  want  and  poverty.  We  do  not  dis- 
pute the  soundness  of  this  conclusion  either:  but  we  utterly 
deny  that  it  has  any  application  to  the  people  of  Liberia. 

"Away  with  all  the  false  notions  that  are  circulating  about  the 
barrenness  of  this  country :  they  are  the  observations  of  such 
ignorant  or  designing  men,  as  would  injure  both  it  and  you. 
A  more  fertile  soil,  and  a  more  productive  country,  so  far  as 
it  is  cultivated,  there  is  not,  we  believe,  on  the  face  of  the  earth. 
Its  hills  and  its  plains  are  covered  with  a  verdure  which  never 
fades;  the  productions  of  nature  keep  on  in  their  growth 
through  all  the  seasons  of  the  year.  Even  the  natives  of  the 
country,  almost  without  farming  tools,  without  skill,  and  with 
very  little  labour,  raise  more  grain  and  vegetables  than  they 
can  consume,  and  often  more  than  they  can  sell. 

"  Cattle,  swine,  fowls,  ducks,  goats,  and  sheep,  thrive  without 
feeding,  and  require  no  other  care  than  to  keep  them  from 
straying.  Cotton,  coffee,  indigo,  and  the  sugar  cane,  are  all 
the  spontaneous  growth  of  our  forests,  and  may  be  cultivated 
at  pleasure,  to  any  extent,  by  such  as  are  disposed.  The  same 
may  be  said  of  rice,  Indian  corn,  guinea  corn,  millet,  and  too 
many  species  of  fruits  and  vegetables  to  be  enumerated.  Add 
to  all  this,  we  have  no  dreary  winter  here,  for  one  half  of  the 
year  to  consume  the  productions  of  the  other  half.  Nature  is 
constantly  renewing  herself,  and  constantly  pouring  her  trea- 
sures, all  the  year  round,  into  the  laps  of  the  industrious.     We 


293  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATIOX. 

could  say,  on  this  subject,  more;  but  we  are  afraid  of  exciting 
too  highly  the  hopes  of  the  imprudent.  Such  persons,  we  think, 
will  do  well  to  keep  their  rented  cellars,  and  earn  their  twenty- 
five  cents  a  day  at  the  wheelbarrow,  in  the  commercial  towns 
of  America,  and  stay  where  they  are.  It  is  only  the  industri- 
ous and  virtuous  that  we  can  point  to  independence,  and  plen- 
ty, and  happiness,  in  this  country.  Such  people  are  nearly  sure 
to  attain,  in  a  very  few  years,  to  a  style  of  comfortable  living, 
which  they  may  in  vain  hope  for  in  the  United  States;  and 
however  short  we  come  of  this  character  ourselves,  it  is  only  a 
due  acknowledgment  of  the  bounty  of  Divine  Providence  to 
say,  that  we  generally  enjoy  the  good  things  of  this  life  to  our 
entire  satisfaction. 

"Our  trade  is  chiefly  confined  to  the  coast,  to  the  interior  parts 
of  the  continent,  and  to  foreign  vessels.  It  is  already  valuable, 
and  fast  increasing.  It  is  carried  on  in  the  productions  of  the 
country,  consisting  of  rice,  palm  oil,  ivory,  tortoise  shell,  dye 
woods,  gold,  hides,  wax,  and  a  small  amount  of  coffee;  and  it 
brings  us  in  return,  the  products  and  manufactures  of  the  four 
quarters  of  the  world.  Seldom,  indeed,  is  our  harbour  clear  of 
European  and  American  shipping ;  and  the  bustle  and  throng- 
ing of  our  streets  show  something,  already,  of  the  activity  of  the 
smaller  seaports  of  the  United  States. 

"  Mechanics  of  nearly  every  trade  are  carrying  on  their  vari- 
ous occupations:  their  wages  are  high,  and  a  large  number 
would  be  sure  of  constant  and  profitable  employment. 

"  Not  a  child  or  youth  in  the  colony  but  is  provided  with  ah 
appropriate  school.  We  have  a  numerous  public  library,  and  a 
court-house,  meeting-houses,  school-houses,  and  fortifications, 
sufficient,  or  nearly  so,  for  the  colony  in  its  present  state. 

"  Our  houses  are  constructed  of  the  same  materials,  and  fin- 
ished in  the  same  style  as  in  the  towns  of  America.  We  have 
abundance  of  good  building  stone,  shells  for  lime,  and  clay  of 
an  excellent  quality  for  bricks.  Timber  is  plentiful,  of  various 
kinds,  and  fit  for  all  the  different  purposes  of  building  and 
fencing. 

",Truly  we  have  a  goodly  heritage  ;  and  if  there  is  any  thing 
lacking  in  the  character  or  condition  of  the  people  of  this  colo- 
ny, it  never  can  be  charged  to  the  account  of  the  country:  it 
must  be  the  fruit  of  our  own  mismanagement,  or  slothfiilness, 
or  vices.     But  from  these  evils  we  confide  in  Him,  to  whom 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  293 

we  are  indebted  for  all  our  blessings,  to  preserve  us.  It  is  the 
topic  of  our  weekly  and  daily  thanksgiving  to  Almighty  God, 
both  in  public  and  in  private,  and  he  knows  with  what 
sincerity  we  were  ever  conducted,  by  his  Providence,  to  this 
shore.  Such  great  favours,  in  so  short  a  time,  and  mixed  with 
so  few  trials,  are  to  be  ascribed  to  nothing  but  his  special  bless- 
ing. This  we  acknowledge.  We  only  want  the  gratitude 
which  such  signal  favours  call  for.  Nor  are  we  willing  to  close 
this  paper  without  adding  a  heartfelt  testimonial  of  the  deep 
obligations  we  owe  to  our  American  patrons  and  best  earthly 
benefactors,  whose  wisdom  pointed  us  to  this  home  of  our  na- 
tion, and  whose  active  and  persevering  benevolence  enabled  us 
to  reach  it.  Judge,  then,  of  the  feelings  with  which  we  hear  the 
motives  and  doings  of  the  Colonization  Society  traduced ;  and 
that,  too,  by  men  too  ignorant  to  know  what  that  society  has 
accomplished — too  weak  to  look  through  its  plans  and  inten- 
tions— or  too  dishonest  to  acknowledge  either.  But  without 
pretending  to  any  prophetic  sagacity,  we  can  certainly  predict 
to  that  society  the  ultimate  triumph  of  their  hopes  and  labours, 
and  disappointment  and  defeat  to  all  who  oppose  them.  Men 
may  theorize,  and  speculate  about  their  plans  in  America,  but 
there  can  be  no  speculation  here.  The  cheerful  abodes  of  civi- 
lization and  happiness  which  are  scattered  over  this  verdant 
mountain — the  flourishing  settlements  which  are  spreading 
around  it — the  sound  of  Christian  instruction,  and  scenes  of 
Christian  worship,  which  are  heard  and  seen  in  this  land  of 
brooding  pagan  darkness — a  thousand  contented  freemen  united 
in  founding  a  new  Christian  empire,  happy  themselves,  and  the 
instruments  of  happiness  to  others — every  object,  every  indivi- 
dual, is  an  argument,  is  demonstration,  of  the  wisdom  and  good- 
ness of  the  plan  of  colonization. 

"Where  is  the  argument  that  shall  refute  facts  like  these? 
And  where  is  the  man  hardy  enough  to  deny  them  ?" 

The  following  States,  by  their  Legislatures,  have  expressed 
in  terms  more  or  less  favourable,  their  approbation  of  the  plans 
of  the  American  Colonization  Society:  Virginia,  Georgia,  Ma- 
ryland, Tennessee,  New  Jersey,  Ohio,  Connecticut,  Kentucky, 
Delaware,  Vermont,  Indiana,  and  most  of  these  have  recom- 
mended the  Colonization  Society  to  the  patronage  of  the  gen- 
eral Government  of  the  United  States. 
25* 


294  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1829,  the  exports  of  the  colony  were 
estimated  at  seventy  thousand  dollars. 

At  the  anniversary  next  after  the  decease  of  Judge  Washing- 
ton, Charles  Carroll,  Esq.,  of  Carrolton,  was  chosen  President  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society. 

During  this  year  (1829)  State  Societies,  auxiliary  to  the 
American  Colonization  Society,  were  formed,  both  in  New 
York  and  Pennsylvania.  At  the  meeting  which  resolved  to 
form  a  society  for  the  State  of  New  York,  Rev.  Dr.  Nott,  Pre- 
sident of  Union  College,  made  an  interesting  speech,  which  is 
published  at  large  in  the  African  Repository  for  November, 
1829.  In  this  speech  Dr.  Nott  waived  all  discussion  respecting 
the  views  and  motives  of  those  who  first  conceived  the  plan, 
but  undertook  to  discnss  the  two  questions,  "Is  the  plan  prac- 
ticable? Is  it  expedient?" 

In  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  also,  a  Society  for  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania  was  formed,  under  very  favourable  auspices. 
This  society  came  forward  very  opportunely  with  an  offer  of 
funds  to  the  American  Colonization  Society,  to  aid  in  sending 
out  a  large  number  of  emigrants,  who  were  waiting  to  go,  but 
whom  the  Board  had  not  the  means  of  sending. 

The  Lynchburg  Auxiliary  Colonization  Society  has,  from  its 
commen'cement,  manifested  uncommon  zeal  in  the  cause.  We 
have  adverted  already  to  the  able  and  decided  speech  of  Mr. 
Harrison,  before  that  society.  Now  is  the  proper  time  to  men- 
tion a  lucid  and  eloquent  speech  of  William  C.  Rives,  Esq., 
before  this  society.  Mr.  Rives  gives  a  succinct  but  perspicuous 
history  of  the  society  from  its  origin,  and  exhibits  the  present 
condition,  government,  and  prospects  of  the  society.  After  this 
comprehensive  survey,  Mr.  Rives  draws  the  conclusion,  "that 
it  is  no  longer  problematical,  whether  a  colony  of  free  persons 
of  colour  can  be  established  on  the  continent  of  Africa."  He 
next  takes  up  and  considers  various  objections  which  had  been 
made  to  this  enterprise,  and  returns  a  solid  answer  to  each  of 
them,  and  undertakes  to  demonstrate,  by  a  fair  calculation,  that 
there  is  nothing  in  the  scheme  of  transporting  the  whole  co- 
loured population,  which  is  beyond  the  means  and  resources  of 
the  United  States.  In  his  conclusion,  he  says:  "Nor  let  it  be 
supposed  that  the  people  of  the  United  States  will  derive  from 
the  successful  prosecution  of  this  enterprise  no  other  benefit  than 
grows  out  of  the  removal  of  this  unprofitable  and  baneful  class 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  295 

of  population.  Vice  corrupts  by  example,  but  it  poisons  those 
only  in  contact  with  it.  Virtue  also  finds  a  powerful  auxiliary 
in  the  same  weapon,  and  happily  its  influence  is  less  restricted. 
The  name  and  fame  of  good  deeds  circulate  widely,  and  the 
moral  beauty  of  this  magnificent  design  shall  exalt  our  national 
character  above  deeds  of  prowess  in  war,  or  skill  in  science  and 
art.  At  home,  its  beneficent  influence  shall  pervade  all  classes 
of  society,  administering  pleasure  to  age,  stimulus  to  manhood, 
and  instruction  to  youth;  constituting  at  the  same  time  the 
evidence  of  a  grateful  recollection  of  past  dispensations  of  Pro- 
vidence, and  an  appeal  for  the  continuance  of  his  goodness, 
guardianship  and  protection." 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

THE  COLONY  UNDER  DR.  MECHLIN,  1830. 

The  Board  at  Washington  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  the 
following  letter  from  Mr.  Hodgson,  a  gentleman  of  rare  at- 
tainments in  oriental  literature,  who  has  for  some  years  resided 
in  the  north  of  Africa. 

"Algiers,  June  1,  1829. 

"The  late  travels  of  Captain  Clapperton  in  the  interior  of 
Africa,  have  made  invaluable  contributions  to  science.  The 
geography,  the  political  and  natural  history  of  Nigritia,  were 
heretofore  as  obscure  as  are  the  fountain  and  issue  of  its  mys- 
terious Nile.  So  ignorant  were  the  ancients  of  this  remote 
country,  that  in  the  Augustan  age  of  Rome,  the  fifth  zone  of  the 
globe,  comprehending  the  equatorial  regions,  was  deemed  inha- 
bitabilis  sestu — uninhabitable  from  heat.  It  was  reserved  for 
the  British  traveller  to  visit  and  describe  the  populous  kingdoms 
of  Soudan. 

"Associated  with  Major  Denham  in  his  first  expedition  from 
Tripoli,  Capt.  Clapperton  traversed  Fezzan  and  the  desert  of 
Tibbou,  and  reached  Bournou,a  great  negro  empire,  the  extent 
and  power  of  which  was  represented  to  our  own  Ledyard, 


296  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

whilst  at  Cairo.  Between  Bonrnou  and  the  river  Niger  or 
Qiiorra,  to  the  east,  he  the  populous  states  of  Haoiissa,  Gouber 
and  Sackatoo.  The  town  of  Sackatoo,  which  was  the  limit  of 
Capt.  Clapperton's  first  expedition^  is  the  capital  of  the  Fella- 
tahs  and  the  residence  of  the  saltan,  the  renowned  and  learned 
Bello. 

"In  the  latter  part  of  1825,  Capt.  Clapperton  proceeded  to  the 
Gulf  of  Benin,  with  the  object  of  penetrating  to  Sackatoo  and 
Bournou,  in  a  direction  opposite  to  that  of  his  former  expedition. 
He  landed  at  Badagri,  west  of  Dahomey,  and  his  journey  thence 
to  Sackatoo,  was  marked  by  extreme  hospitality  from  the  negro 
nations  through  which  he  passed.  His  happy  arrival  at  the 
capital  of  Sultan  Bello,  completed  an  accurate  survey  of  this 
continent,  from  Tripoli  to  Benin.  The  untimely  death  of  Capt. 
Clapperton  at  Sackatoo,  leaves  us  deeply  to  regret  that  he  had 
not  survived  to  perform  other  voyages  of  discovery  in  that 
Cimmerian  land,  which  has  equally  attracted  the  curiosity  of 
science  and  the  benevolence  of  philanthropy.  The  great  objects 
of  both  will  be  much  facilitated  by  the  enterprise  of  this  distin- 
guished pioneer. 

"Of  all  the  nations  of  central  Africa,  described  by  Capt.  Clap- 
perton, the  Fellatahs  are  esteemed  the  most  remarkable.  The 
publication  of  his  first  journey  to  Soudan,  represented  this 
people  as  inhabiting  the  country  of  the  negroes,  but  differing 
from  them  essentially  in  physical  character.  They  have  straight 
hair,  noses  moderately  elevated,  the  parietal  bones  not  so  com- 
pressed as  those  of  the  negro,  nor  is  their  forehead  so  much 
arched.  The  colour  of  their  skin  is  a  light  bronze,  like  that  of 
the  Wadreagans,  or  Melano  Ga3tulians,  and  by  this  character- 
istic alone,  can  they  be  classed  in  the  Ethiopian  variety  of  the 
human  species. 

"  The  Fellatahs  are  a  warlike  race  of  shepherds,  and  have 
within  a  short  period  subjugated  an  extensive  portion  of  Sou- 
dan. The  lamented  Major  Laing,  who  arrived  at  Tombuctoo, 
assures  us  that  they  were  then  in  possession  of  that  far-famed 
city.  It  was  an  order  from  the  Fellatah  Governor  which  com- 
pelled him  to  leave  Tonibuctoo,  and  to  his  instigation  or  con- 
nivance is  his  death,  probably,  to  be  attributed.  Mungo  Park 
was  killed  by  a  party  of  these  people,  Avhile  descending  the 
Quorra.  They  may  be  supposed  to  occupy  the  banks  of  this 
unknown  river,  from  its  rise  to  its  termination. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  §97 

"  During  the  late  visit  of  Capt.  Clapperton  to  Sackatoo,  his 
inquiries  were  particularly  addressed  to  the  history,  the  social 
and  political  condition  of  the  Fellatahs,  The  publication  of  his 
narrative  will  be  received  with  unusual  interest,  for  this  nation 
presents  itself  as  a  curious  and  important  subject  of  philosophic 
speculation.  The  Fellatahs  will  probably  erect  one  vast  empire 
in  Soudan,  and  the  influence  this  power  may  exercise  in  the 
great  question  of  African  civilization,  gives  to  them  no  ordinary 
importance.  If  Sultan  Bello  should  be  induced  to  abolish 
slavery,  the  most  efficient  means  will  have  been  discovered  for 
its  entire  suppression.  The  example  of  so  great  an  empire,  or 
the  menace  of  its  chief,  would  eff"ectually  check  the  inhuman 
cupidity  or  barbarism  of  the  lesser  tribes  of  the  coast.  Such  an 
event  would  cause  a  great  revolution  in  the  commerce  of  these 
countries,  and  the  arts  of  civilized  life  would  speedily  be  adopted. 
Morocco,  Algiers,  Tunis,  and  Tripoli,  would  lose  their  lucrative 
trade  in  slaves,  which  being  no  longer  objects  of  barter,  com- 
merce would  seek  the  more  convenient  markets  of  the  Atlantic 
coast,  in  preference  to  encountering  the  horrors  and  perils  of  the 
desert.  This  view  of  the  subject  has  not  escaped  the  Moorish 
statesmen,  who,  it  is  known,  have  been  using  their  influence 
with  the  negro  governments,  to  obstruct  the  free  access  of 
Christians  among  them.  The  colony  of  Liberia  is  destined  to 
have  an  agency  in  such  a  revolution  of  commerce,  and  will 
participate  in  the  great  advantages  thence  to  result. 

"  The  history  and  character  of  the  Fellatahs  acquire  import- 
ance; and  in  anticipation  of  the  more  extensive  information  to 
be  derived  from  Capt.  Clapperton's  travels,  some  remarks  are 
submitted  upon  this  nation. 

"  The  Fellatahs  are  so  denominated  by  the  negroes;  but  the 
name  by  which  they  call  themselves  is  Fellan,  which  might  be 
more  correctly  written  Foulan,  according  to  the  sound  of  the 
syllables.  The  origin  of  the  term  Fellatahs  is  not  knov(/-n,  but 
as  they  are  anthropoJdepthSy  like  the  Tuarycks,  and  steal 
negroes,  to  make  slaves  of  them,  it  is  probably  an  appellation 
of  reproach,  like  that  of  Sergoo,  given  to  these  latter.  They 
are  known  on  the  Senegal  and  Gambia,  as  Foolahs  and  Fouls. 
Mungo  Park  describes  them  under  the  first  denomination,  and 
M.  MoUien  under  the  second.  The  Fellatahs  extend  from  the 
Atlantic  to  the  confines  of  Darfour,  and  speak  every  where  the 
same  language. 


29$ 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION, 


"A  vocabui 

lary  is  here 

subjoined,  with  g 

rammatical  inflec- 

tions  of  words: 

Singular. 

Plural. 

Water 

Deatn 

Fire 

Gheahingol 

Sun 

Nandjee 

Moon 

Lauro 

Man 

Gorkoo 

Gorbai 

Woman 

Debbo 

Eroubai 

Head 

Horee 

Koiee 

Eye 

Yeteree 

Gitee 

Hand 

DjuTigo 

Djundai 

Dog 

Rawano 

Dawaree 

Cow 

Naga 

Nai 

House 

Sodo 

Ouro 

Horse 

Putcho 

Putchee 

Cat 

Musoro 

Musodee 

Bird 

Sondo 

Chiullee 

Day 

Handee 

Nyandee 

Night 

Djemnia 

Baldee 

Year 

Dungoo 

Doobee 

"Adjectives 

suffer  no  change  of  gender. 

"The  pronoi 

uns  personal 

are  — 

.  Mee 

I 

Meenorn 

We 

An 

Thou 

Anoon 

Ye 

Kankoo 

He 

Kambai 

They 

"Possessive 

pronouns  are  thus  — 

Horee-am 

My 

Head 

Dj 

ungo-an 

Thy 

Hand 

Sodo-mako 

His 

House 

"  This  vocabulary  shows  that  the  Fellatahs  are  not  of  Arabic 
origin,  as  suggested  by  the  Revue  Britannique,  January  num- 
ber, 1829,  nor  of  Berber,  as  M.  Mollien  seems  inclined  to  think. 
This  nation  issued  probably  from  the  elevated  plateau,  about 
the  source  of  the  Niger,  where  a  temperate  climate  may  be 
supposed  to  reign.  As  the  Fellatahs  are  found  in  the  vicinity  of 
Abyssinia,  they  would  be  identified  with  the  Falasha,  of  that 
country,  if  their  language  should  be  ascertained  to  be  the  same, 
Bruce  says  that  the  Falashas  are  Jews,  and  speak  the  ancient 
-^Ethiopian.     About  this  language,  little  is  known, 

"  Negro  languages  possess  a  peculiar  character.  An  investi- 
gation of  the  idioms  of  Tibbou,  Bournou,  Haoussa  and  Tom- 
buctoo,  discovers  that  they  have  no  distinctions  of  gender  and 
number.  Perhaps  verbs  are  not  inflected.  If  the  complex 
languages  of  the  Tuarycks  on  the  north,  and  the  Fellatahs  to 


HISTORY   OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  299 

the  south,  which  nations  occupy  co-extensive  parallels  of  lati- 
tude, be  compared  with  the  simple,  rude  dialect  of  Soudan,  it 
might  be  inferred  that  the  great  Author  of  the  universe  has 
made  as  broad  a  difference  in  the  speech  as  in  the  skins  of 
men.  If  a  full  investigation  establish  the  fact  that  languages 
may  be  divided  into  white  and  black,  then  philosophy  will  de- 
mand illustrations  of  the  moral  history  of  man. 

"  The  exploration  of  Africa  has  been  an  object  of  constant 
solicitude  to  the  British  Government.  To  accomplish  this, 
several  expeditions  have  been  sent,  at  great  expense,  and  its 
enterprising  travellers  have  penetrated  across  this  continent, 
hitherto  the  terra  incognita  of  geography.  The  interesting 
question  of  the  rise  and  termination  of  the  Quorra  (Niger)  has 
not  yet,  however,  been  completely  solved.  The  Quarterly  Re- 
view of  the  last  year,  infers  from  the  observations  made  by 
Capt.  Clapperton,  that  it  runs  into  lake  Tchad,  in  the  kingdom 
of  Bournou.  Whether  it  takes  a  southerly  direction,  and  empties 
into  the  gulf  of  Benin,  or  flowing  easterly,  it  falls  into  lake 
Tchad,  is  a  question  yet  sub  judice,  and  we  may  enter  the  field 
of  discovery  with  peculiar  advantage.* 

"Our  colony  of  Liberia  is  planted  at  a  point  of  the  African 
coast,  which  offers  great  facilities  for  voyages  into  the  interior. 
The  river  Mesuradat  takes  its  rise  in  the  mountains  of  Kong, 
and  in  a  district  which,  from  mild  temperature  of  climate,  fer- 
tility of  soil,  and  beautiful  aspect  of  nature,  is  called  by  the 
natives,  Jilain — the  country  of  God.  It  is  probable  that  the 
Quorra  has  its  source  in  the  same  elevated  region,  and  that  it 
interlocks  with  the  Mesurada.  If  the  Fellatahs  have  a  western 
origin,  they  must  be  indigenous  to  these  mountains;  and  it  may 
be  imagined  that  they  have  descended  to  the  southern  plains, 
as  they  now  occupy  the  north.  That  negro  tribe  discovered  by 
Mr.  Ashmun,  in  the  country  adjacent  to  Liberia,  which  had 
advanced  in  arts  and  was  familiar  with  the  Arabic  language, 
may  be  Fellatahs. 

"The  solution  of  these  questions  would  be  interesting  in 
science,  and  is  important  to  Liberia,  which  is  destined  to  be- 
come a  great  empire,  and  may  now  be  esteemed  the  nucleus  of 
African  civilization.     At  no  other  point  could  it  so  favourably 

*  The  discovery  of  the  mouths  of  the  Niger  occurred  since  this  was  written. 
T  This  is  an  error.     The  Mesurada,  or  Montserado,  is  a  small  river,  the  St. 
Paul's  being  much  larger. 


300  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

commence.  In  the  countries  north  of  the  Sahara,  where  the 
climate  permits  the  white  man  to  exist,  the  savage  fanaticism 
of  the  Mahomedan  religion  would  not  tolerate  a  Christian  set- 
tlement. Among  the  negroes  of  the  Senegal,  the  Gambia,  and 
the  Rio  Grande,  that  religion  has  taken  so  deep  root  that  a 
Christian  colony  of  negroes  would  be  extirpated  in  obedience 
to  the  sanguinary  precepts  of  the  Koran.  Liberia  is  on  the 
confines  of  Islam,  where  the  fetiche  of  the  simple  African  does 
not  require  the  blood  of  man,  in  the  name  of  God.  To  the  west 
of  the  colony,  along  the  coast,  are  the  fierce  people  of  Ashantee 
and  Dahomey,  and  a  settlement  further  south,  would  have  been 
too  distant  from  the  centre  of  Africa  and  from  the  coast  of 
America.  The  selection,  therefore,  of  the  windward  coast  for 
the  establishment  of  an  American  colony,  was  by  providential 
direction. 

"The  nations  of  the  interior  have  already  heard  with  aston- 
ishment and  delight,  that  black  men  from  x\merica  are  settling 
on  the  coast,  and  that  they  possess  the  arts  of  the  white  man. 
To  cultivate  good  intelligence  with  these  nations,  to  make 
known  the  objects  of  the  colony,  its  pacific  and  commercial 
character,  will  be  deemed  a  wise  policy.  This  purpose  would 
be  best  effected  by  a  mission  from  among  the  colonists.  A 
small  expedition  from  Monrovia,  ascending  the  Mesurado  to  its 
head  waters,  and  proceeding  from  the  source  of  the  Niger, 
along  its  course,  would  accomplish  these  objects,  and  at  the 
same  time  make  useful  discoveries.  Perhaps  the  solution  of 
}he  qusestio  vexata  of  geography,  the  rise  and  termination  of 
the  Niger,  is  reserved  for  the  Liberian.  Such  an  expedition  is 
conveniently  within  the  means  of  individual  enterprise;  it 
would  promote  the  general  interests  of  science,  procure  com- 
mercial advantages,  and  in  the  prospective  of  philanthropy, 
might  have  a  happy  and  active  influence  in  the  suppression  of 
the  slave  trade. 

"  In  this  view,  a  small  part  of  the  national  appropriation, 
might  not  be  deemed  misapplied  for  that  object.  Should  it  be 
reserved  for  individual  undertaking,  I  now  offer  a  contribution 
of  one  hundred  dollars,  which  are  placed  at  the  disposition  of 
Peter  S.  Duponceau,  Esq.  A  scientific  expedition  for  African 
discoveries,  is  an  object  worthy  of  the  American  Philosophical 
Society,  and  under  the  direction  of  which,  that  now  suggested, 
should  be  performed.  William  B.  Hodgson." 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  301 

Information  has  been  received  that  Mr.  Hodgson,  the  writer 
of  the  above  interesting  letter,  has  been  elected  a  corresponding 
member  of  the  Royal  Asiatic  Society  of  London ;  also,  that 
this  gentleman  has  translated  the  four  Gospels  and  the  book  of 
Genesis,  into  the  language  of  the  Berbers  in  Africa. 

The  Colonization  Society  of  Kentucky  addressed  a  strong 
memorial  to  both  houses  of  Congress,  in  favour  of  granting 
national  aid  in  promoting  a  scheme  in  which  the  national  wel- 
fare and  character  are  so  deeply  involved. 

The  anniversary  of  the  American  Colonization  Society  was 
held  in  the  city  of  Washington,  on  the  IStli  of  January,  1830. 
The  meeting,  as  usual,  was  deeply  interesting,  and  a  number 
of  able  and  animated  speeches  were  delivered.  Among  the 
speakers  on  this  occasion  we  find  Philip  J.  King,  Esq.,  G.  W. 
P.  Custis,  Esq.,  J.  H.  B.  Latrobe,  Esq.,  Plon,  Theo,  Freling- 
huysen. 

At  this  meeting  the  following  resolution  was  passed,  in  ho- 
nour of  the  memory  of  their  late  President: 

^^  Resolved,  That  the  society  entertain  a  deep  sense  of  the  loss 
which  it  has  sustained  by  the  decease  of  its  venerable  Presi- 
dent, the  Honourable  Bushrod  Washington,  and  that  it  will 
cherish  an  affectionate  remembrance  of  his  moral  and  intellec- 
tual worth." 

The  above  was  moved  by  Walter  Jones,  Esq.,  and  was 
unanimously  adopted, 

Mr.  Key  then  offered  a  resolution  ni  honour  of  the  memory 
of  Dr.  Richard  Randall,  their  late  colonial  agent.  Mr.  Key 
portrayed  his  ciiaracter  and  zeal  in  glowing  colours,  and  then 
presented  the  following,  viz: 

^'■Resolved,  That  this  society  will  cherish  a  sincere  and  affec- 
tionate remembrance  of  Dr.  Richard  Randall,  late  colonial 
agent  of  Liberia,  and  that  the  Board  of  Managers  be  author- 
ized to  cause  a  monument  to  be  erected  in  the  colony,  in  com- 
memoration of  his  talents  and  his  worth." 

On  the  16th  of  January,  this  year,  (1830,)  the  brig  Liberia, 
which  iiad  been  chartered  for  the  purpose,  by  the  liberality  of 
the  friends  of  the  cause  in  Philadelphia,  sailed  from  Norfolk, 
with  fifty-eight  coloured  passengers.  The  number  was  not  as 
considerable  as  was  expected;  and  only  a  few  days  after  her 
departure,  thirty  slaves,  liberated  by  Joel  Early,  arrived  at 
26 


302  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Norfolk;  and  of  the  fifty-eight  who  sailed  in  the  Liberia,  forty- 
nine  were  emancipated  slaves. 

Two  Swiss  missionaries,  Messrs.  Rudolph  Dietschy  and  H. 
Granur,  together  with  Dr.  Anderson,  appointed  to  succeed  Dr. 
Mechlin,  as  colonial  physician,  went  out  in  the  Liberia. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1830,  twelve  State  Legislatures  had 
expressed  their  approbation  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society. 

At  the  very  close  of  the  year  1S29,  Henry  Clay  delivered  a 
discourse  before  the  Colonization  Society  of  Kentucky,  which, 
though  long,  deserves  a  place  in  this  history. 

'■'■Genthmen  of  the  Colonization  Society  of  Kentucky: — I 
most  sincerely  wish  that  the  task  of  addressing  you  on  this  occa- 
sion, had  been  assigned  by  the  Board  of  Managers  to  some  indi- 
vidual more  competent  than  I  am,  to  explain  and  illustrate  and 
enforce  the  claims  of  the  society  to  the  friendly  and  favourable 
consideration  of  the  public.  I  yield  to  none  in  a  thorough  per- 
suasion of  the  utility  of  the  scheme  of  the  society,  in  a  profound 
conviction  of  its  practicability,  and  in  an  ardent  desire  for  its  com- 
plete success.  But  I  am  sensible  that  there  are  many  others  who 
could  more  happily  than  I  can,  throw  around  the  subject  those 
embellishments  which  are  best  calculated  to  secure  attention, 
and  engage  the  cordial  and  energetic  cooperation  of  the  com- 
munity. When  the  application  was  first  made  to  me  to  deliver 
this  address,  I  hesitated  to  comply  with  it,  because  I  appre- 
hended that  my  motives  would  be  misconceived,  and  my 
language  be  misrepresented.  Subsequent  reflection  determined 
me  to  adhere  to  the  maxim  of  my  whole  life,  to  endeavour  to 
render  all  the  good  in  my  power,  without  being  restrained  by 
the  misconceptions  to  which  I  might  expose  myself.  In  enter- 
ing upon  the  duty  which  has  devolved  upon  me,  I  ask  only  the 
exercise  of  ordinary  liberality,  in  judging  the  imperfections 
which  will  doubtless  mark  its  performance. 

'•  In  surveying  the  United  States  of  North  America,  and  their 
Territories,  the  beholder  perceives,  among  their  inhabitants, 
three  separate  and  distinct  races  of  men,  originally  appertain- 
ing to  three  different  continents  of  the  globe,  each  race  varying 
from  the  others  in  colour,  physical  properties,  and  moral  and 
intellectual  endowments.  The  European  is  the  most  numerous ; 
and,  as  well  from  that  fact,  as  from  its  far  greater  advance  in 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  303 

civilization  and  in  the  arts,  has  the  decided  ascendency  over  the 
Other  two,  giving  the  law  to  them,  controlling  their  condition, 
and  responsible  for  their  fate,  to  the  Great  Father  of  all,  and 
to  the  enlightened  world.  The  next  most  numerous  and  most 
intelligent  race,  is  that  which  sprung  from  Africa ;  the  largest  por- 
tion of  which  is  held  in  bondage  by  their  brethren,  descendants 
of  the  European.  The  aborigines,  or  Indian  race,  are  the  least 
numerous,  and,  with  the  exception  of  some  tribes,  have  but 
partially  emerged  from  the  state  of  barbarism  in  which  they 
were  found,  on  the  first  discovery  of  America.  Whence,  or 
how  they  came  hither,  are  speculations  for  the  research  of  the 
curious,  on  which  authentic  liistory  affords  no  certain  light. 

"Their  future  fortunes  or  condition,  form  no  part  of  the  sub- 
ject of  this  address.  I  shall,  I  hope,  nevertheless,  be  excused 
for  the  digression  of  dedicating  a  few  passing  observations,  to 
the  interesting  remnant  of  these  primitive  possessors  of  the 
New  World.  I  have  never  been  able  to  agree  in  the  expedi- 
ency of  employing  any  extraordinary  exertions,  to  blend  the 
white  and  copper-coloured  races  together,  by  the  ceremony  of 
marriage.  There  would  be  a  motive  for  it,  if  the  Indians  were 
equal  or  superior  to  their  white  brethren,  in  physical  or  intel- 
lectual powers.  But  the  fact  is  believed  to  be  otherwise.  The 
mixture  improves  the  Indian,  but  deteriorates  the  European 
element.  Invariably,  it  is  remarked,  that  those  of  the  mixed 
blood,  among  the  Indians,  are  their  superiors  in  war,  in  coun-* 
cil,  and  in  the  progress  of  the  useful  arts,  whilst  they  remain  hi 
the  rear  of  the  pure  white  race,  still  farther  than  they  are  in 
advance  of  the  pure  Indian.  In  those  instances  (chieliy  among 
the  French)  during  the  progress  of  the  settlement  of  this  conti- 
nent, in  which  the  settlers  have  had  most  intercourse  with  the 
Indians,  they  have  rather  sunk  to  the  level  of  their  state,  than 
contributed  essentially  to  their  civilization. 

"But  if  there  be  no  adequate  recommendation  to  the  white 
race  of  an  union,  by  intermarriage,  with  the  Indian,  we  are  en- 
joined, by  every  duty  of  religion,  humanity,  and  magnanimity, 
to  treat  them  with  kindness  and  justice,  and  to  recall  them,  if 
we  can,  from  their  savage  to  a  better  condition.  The  United 
States  stand  charged  with  the  fate  of  these  poor  children  of  the 
woods,  in  the  face  of  their  common  Maker,  and  in  the  presence 
of  the  world.  And,  as  certain  as  the  guardian  is  answerable 
for  the  education  of  his  infant  ward,  and  the  management  of 


304  HISTORY    OF  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

his  estate,  will  they  be  responsible  here  and  hereafter,  for  the 
manner  in  which  they  shall  perform  the  duties  of  the  high  trust 
which  is  committed  to  their  hands,  by  the  force  of  circum- 
stances. Hitherto,  since  the  United  States  became  an  indepen- 
dent power  among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  they  have  gener- 
ally treated  the  Indians  with  justice,  and  performed  towards 
them  all  the  offices  of  humanity.  Their  policy,  in  this  respect, 
w^as  vindicated  during  the  negotiations  at  Ghent,  and  the  prin- 
ciples which  guided  them  in  their  relations  with  the  Indians, 
were  then  promulgated  to  all  Christendom.  On  that  occasion, 
their  representatives,  holding  up  their  conduct  in  advantageous 
contrast  with  that  of  Great  Bril|tin  and  the  other  powers  of 
Europe,  said:  'From  the  rigour  of  this  system,  however,  as 
practised  by  Great  Britain  and  all  the  European  powers  in 
America,  the  humane  and  liberal  policy  of  the  United  States 
has  voluntarily  relaxed.  A  celebrated  writer  on  the  laws  of 
nations,  to  whose  authority  British  jurists  have  taken  particular 
satisfaction  in  appealing,  after  stating,  in  the  most  explicit  man- 
ner, the  legitimacy  of  colonial  settlements  in  America,  to  the 
exclusion  of  all  rights  of  uncivihzed  Indian  tribes,  has  taken 
occasion  to  praise  the  first  settlers  of  New  England,  and  the 
founder  of  Pennsylvania,  in  having  purchased  of  the  Indians 
the  lands  they  resolved  to  cultivate,  notwithstanding  their  being 
provided  with  a  charter  from  their  sovereign.  It  is  this  exam- 
ple which  the  United  States,  since  they  became  by  their  inde- 
pendence, the  sovereigns  of  the  territory,  have  adopted  and 
organized  into  a  political  system.  Under  that  system,  the  In- 
dians residing  within  the  United  States,  are  so  far  i7idependent, 
that  they  live  under  their  own  customs,  and  not  under  the 
Icnvs  of  the  United  States;  that  their  rights  upon  the  lands 
where  they  inhabit  or  hunt,  are  secured  to  them  by  boundaries 
defined  in  amicable  treaties  between  the  United  States  and 
themselves;  and  that  whenever  those  boundaries  are  varied,  it 
is  also  by  amicable  and  voluntary  treaties,  by  which  they 
receive  from  the  United  States  ample  compensation  for  every 
right  they  have  to  the  land  ceded  by  them.  They  are  so  far 
dependent,  as  not  to  have  the  right  to  dispose  of  their  lands,  to 
any  private  person,  nor  to  any  power  other  than  the  United 
States,  and  to  be  under  their  protection  alone,  and  not  under 
that  of  any  other  power.  Whether  called  subjects,  or  by  what- 
ever name  designated,  such  is  the  relation  between  them  and 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION,  305 

the  United  States,  That  relation  is  neither  asserted  now  for 
the  first  time,  nor  did  it  originate  with  the  treaty  of  Greenville. 
These  principles  have  been  uniformly  recognized  by  the  In- 
dians themselves,  not  only  by  that  treaty,  but  in  all  the  other 
previous  as  ivell  as  subsequent  treaties  between  them  and  the 
United  States.'  Such  was  the  solemn  annunciation  to  the  whole 
world,  of  the  principles  and  of  the  system  regulating  our  rela- 
tions with  the  Indians,  as  admitted  by  us  and  recognized  by  them. 
There  can  be  no  violation  of  either,  to  the  disadvantage  of  the 
weaker  party,  which  will  not  subject  us  as  a  nation,  to  the  just 
reproaches  of  all  good  men,  and  which  may  not  bring  down  upon 
us  the  maledictions  of  a  more  exalted  and  powerful  tribunal. 

"Whether  the  Indian  portion  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  United 
States  will  survive  or  become  extinct,  in  the  progress  of  popu- 
lation which  the  European  race  is  rapidly  making  from  the 
shores  of  the  Atlantic  to  those  of  the  Pacific  ocean,  provided 
they  are  treated  ivith  justice  and  humanity ,  is  a  problem  of 
less  importance.  The  two  races  are  not  promiscuously  min- 
gled together,  but  are  generally  separate  and  distinct  communi- 
ties. There  is  no  danger  to  the  whites  or  to  their  purity,  from 
the  power  or  from  the  vices  of  the  Indians.  The  case  is  widely 
different  with  those  who  form  the  immediate  object  of  this  ad- 
dress. 

"The  African  part  of  our  population,  or  their  ancestors,  were 
brought  hither  forcibly  and  by  violence,  in  the  prosecution  of 
the  most  abominable  traffic,  that  ever  disgraced  the  annals  of 
the  human  race.  They  were  chiefly  procured,  in  their  native 
country,  as  captives  in  war,  taken,  and  subsequently  sold  by 
the  conqueror,  as  slaves  to  the  slave  trader.  Sometimes  the 
most  atrocious  practices  of  kidnapping  were  employed,  to  ob- 
tain possession  of  the  victims.  Wars  were  frequent  between 
numerous  and  barbarous  neighbouring  tribes,  scattered  along  the 
coasts,  or  stretched  upon  the  margin  of  large  rivers  of  Africa. 
These  wars  were  often  enkindled  and  prosecuted  for  no  other 
object,  than  to  obtain  a  supply  of  subjects  for  this  most  shock- 
ing commerce.  In  these  modes,  husbands  were  torn  from  their 
wives,  parents  from  their  children,  brethren  from  each  other, 
and  every  tie,  cherished  and  respected  among  men,  was  violated. 
Upon  the  arrival  at  the  African  coast,  of  the  unfortunate  be- 
ings thus  reduced  to  slavery,  they  were  embarked  on  board  of 
ships  carefully  constructed  and  arranged  to  contain  the  greatest 
26* 


306  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

amonnt  of  human  beings.  Here  they  were  ironed  and  fastened 
in  parallel  rows,  and  crowded  together  so  closely,  in  loathsome 
holds,  as  not  to  have  room  for  action  or  for  breathing  whole- 
some air.  The  great  aim  was,  to  transport  the  largest  possible 
number,  at  the  least  possible  charge,  from  their  native  land 
to  the  markets  for  which  they  were  destined.  The  greediness 
of  cupidity  was  frequently  disappointed  and  punished  in  its 
purposes,  by  the  loss  of  moieties  of  whole  cargoes  of  the  sub- 
jects of  this  infamous  commerce,  from  want  and  suffering  and 
disease,  on  the  voyage.  How  much  happier  were  they  who 
thus  expired,  than  their  miserable  survivors! 

"These  African  slaves  were  brought  to  the  continent  of  Amer- 
ica, and  the  islands  adjacent  to  it,  and  formed  the  parent  stock 
of  the  race  now  amongst  us.  They  were  brought  to  the  colo- 
nies, now  constituting  the  United  States,  under  the  sanction 
and  by  the  authority  of  British  laws,  which,  at  an  early  period 
of  our  colonial  existence,  admitted  and  tolerated  the  trade.  It 
is  due  to  our  colonial  ancestors  to  say,  that  they  frequently  and 
earnestly,  but  unsuccessfully,  remonstrated  to  the  British  Crown 
against  the  continuance  of  the  practice.  The  introduction  of 
slavery  into  this  country  is  not,  therefore,  chargeable  to  them, 
but  to  a  government  in  which  they  had  no  voice,  and  over  which 
they  had  no  control.  It  is  equally  due  to  our  parent  State  to 
advert  to  the  honourable  fact,  that,  in  the  midst  of  the  Revolu- 
tionary war,  when  contending  for  her  own  independence  and 
liberty,  she  evinced  the  sincerity  of  the  spirit  in  which  those 
remonstrances  had  been  addressed  to  the  British  throne,  by  de- 
nouncing under  the  severest  penalties,  the  farther  prosecution  of 
the  slave  trade,  within  her  jurisdiction.  And  I  add,  with  great 
satisfaction,  that  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  passed  an 
act  abolishing  the  trade,  as  early  as  by  their  constitution  it  was 
authorized  to  do.  On  the  second  day  of  March,  1807,  the  act 
was  passed,  for  which  it  was  my  happy  lot  to  vote,  the  first 
section  of  which  enacts,  'That  from  and  after  the  first  day  of 
January,  ISOS,  it  shall  not  be  lawful  to  import  or  bring  into  the 
United  States,  or  the  territories  thereof,  from  any  foreign  king- 
dom, place,  or  country,  any  negro,  mulatto,  or  person  of  colour, 
with  intent  to  hold,  sell,  or  dispose  of  such  negro,  mulatto,  or 
person  of  colour,  as  a  slave,  or  to  be  held  to  service  or  labour.' 
Thus  terminated,  we  may  hope  for  ever,  in  the  United  States,  a 
disgraceful  traffic,  which  drew  after  it  a  train  of  enormities 


HISTORr    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  307 

surpassing  in  magnitude,  darkness,  and  duration,  any  that  ever 
sprang  from  any  trade  pushed  by  the  enterprise  or  cupidity  of 
man. 

"  The  United  States,  as  a  nation,  are  not  responsible  for  the 
original  introduction,  or  the  subsequent  continuance  of  the  slave 
trade.  Whenever,  as  has  often  happened,  their  character  has 
been  assailed  in  foreign  countries,  and  by  foreign  writers,  on 
account  of  the  institution  of  slavery  among  us,  the  justness  of 
that  vindication  has  been  admitted  by  the  candid,  which  trans- 
fers to  a  foreign  government  the  origin  of  the  evil.  Nor  are  the 
United  States,  as  a  sovereign  power,  responsible  for  the  continu- 
ance of  slavery  within  their  limits,  posterior  to  the  establish- 
ment of  their  Independence  ;  because  by  neither  the  articles  of 
confederation,  nor  by  the  present  constitution,  had  they  power 
to  put  an  end  to  it  by  the  adoption  of  any  system  of  emancipa- 
tion. But  from  that  epoch,  the  responsibility  of  the  several 
States  in  which  slavery  was  tolerated  commenced,  and  on  them 
devolved  the  momentous  duty  of  considering  whether  the  evil 
of  African  slavery  is  incurable,  or  admits  of  a  safe  and  practical 
remedy.  In  performing  it,  they  ought  to  reflect,  that  if  when  a 
given  remedy  is  presented  to  their  acceptance,  instead  of  a  due 
examination  and  deliberate  consideration  of  it,  they  promptly 
reject  it,  and  manifest  an  impatience  whenever  a  suggestion  is 
made  of  any  plan  to  remove  the  evil,  they  will  expose  them- 
selves to  the  reproach  of  yielding  to  the  illusions  of  self-interest, 
and  of  insincerity  in  the  professions  which  they  so  often  make 
of  a  desire  to  get  rid  of  slavery.  It  is  a  great  misfortune,  grow- 
ing out  of  the  actual  condition  of  the  several  States,  some  being 
exempt,  and  others  liable  to  this  evil,  that  they  are  too  prone  to 
misinterpret  the  views  and  wishes  of  each  other  in  respect  to  it. 
The  North  and  the  South  and  the  West,  when  they  understand 
each  other  well,  must  be  each  convinced,  that  no  other  desire  is 
entertained  towards  the  others  by  any  one  of  them,  than  for 
their  welfare  and  prosperity.  If  the  question  were  submitted, 
whether  there  should  be  either  immediate  or  gradual  emanci- 
pation of  all  the  slaves  in  the  United  States,  without  their  remo- 
val or  colonization,  painful  as  it  is  to  express  the  opinion,  I  have 
no  doubt  that  it  would  be  unwise  to  emancipate  them.  For  I 
believe,  that  the  aggregate  of  the  evils  which  would  be  engen- 
dered in  society,  upon  the  supposition  of  such  general  emanci- 
pation, and  of  the  liberated  slaves  remaining  promiscuously 


308  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

among  us,  would  be  greater  than  all  the  evils  of  slavery,  great 
as  they  unquestionably  are. 

"  The  several  States  of  the  Union  were  sensible  of  the  respon- 
sibility which  accrued  to  them,  on  the  establishment  of  the  In- 
dependence of  the  United  States,  in  regard  to  the  subject  of 
slavery.  And  many  of  them,  beginning  at  a  period  prior  to  the 
termination  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  by  successive  but  distinct 
acts  of  legislation,  have  effectively  provided  for  the  abolition  of 
slavery,  within  their  respective  jurisdictions.  More  than  thirty 
years  ago,  an  attempt  was  made  in  this  Commonwealth  to  adopt 
a  system  of  gradual  emancipation,  similar  to  that  which  the 
illustrious  Franklin  had  mainly  contributed  to  introduce,  in  the 
year  1779,  in  the  State  founded  by  the  benevolent  Penn.  And, 
among  the  acts  of  my  life  which  I  look  back  to  with  most  satis- 
faction, is  that  of  my  having  cooperated  with  other  zealous  and 
intelligent  friends,  to  procure  the  establishment  of  that  system 
in  this  State.  We  believed  that  the  sum  of  good  which  would 
have  been  attained  by  the  state  of  Kentucky,  in  a  gradual 
emancipation  of  her  slaves,  at  that  period,  would  have  far  trans- 
cended the  aggregate  of  mischief  which  might  have  resulted  to 
herself  and  the  Union  together,  from  the  gradual  liberation  of 
them,  and  their  dispersion  and  residence  in  the  United  States. 
We  were  overpowered  by  numbers,  but  submitted  to  the  deci- 
sion of  the  majority  with  the  grace  which  the  minority,  in  a  re- 
public, should  ever  yield  to  such  a  decision.  I  have,  neverthe- 
less, never  ceased,  and  never  shall  .cease,  to  regret  a  decision, 
the  eifects  of  which  have  been  to  place  us  in  the  rear  of  our 
neighbours,  who  are  exempt  from  slavery,  in  the  state  of  agri- 
culture, the  progress  of  manufactures,  the  advance  of  improve- 
ment, and  the  general  prosperity  of  society. 

"  Other  States,  in  which  slavery  exists,  have  not  been  un- 
mindful of  its  evils,  nor  indifferent  to  an  adequate  remedy  for 
their  removal.  But,  most  of  them  have  hitherto  reluctantly 
acquiesced  in  the  continuance  of  these  evils,  because  they 
thought  they  saw  no  practical  scheme  for  their  removal,  which 
was  free  from  insuperable  objection  and  difficulty.  Is  there 
then,  really,  no  such  remedy  ?  Must  we  endure,  perpetually, 
all  the  undoubted  mischiefs  of  the  state  of  slavery,  as  it  affects 
both  the  free  and  bond  portions  of  the  population  of  these 
States?  Already  the  slaves  may  be  estimated  at  two  millions, 
and  the  free  population  at  ten,  the  former  being  in  ilie  propor- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  309 

tion  of  one  to  five  of  the  latter.  Their  respective  numbers  will 
probably  duplicate  in  periods  of  thirty-three  years.  In  the  year 
1863  the  number  of  the  whites  will  probably  be  twenty,  and 
of  the  blacks  four  millions-,  in  1S96,  forty  and  eight;  and  in 
the  year  1929,  about  a  century,  eighty  and  sixteen  millions. 
What  mind  is  sufficiently  extensive  in  its  reach,  what  nerves 
sufficiently  strong,  to  contemplate  this  vast  and  progressive 
augmentation,  without  an  awful  foreboding  of  the  tremendous 
consequences  ?  If  the  two  descriptions  of  population  were 
equally  spread  and  intermingled  over  the  whole  surface  of  the 
United  States,  their  diffusion  might  diminish  the  danger  of  their 
action  and  corrupting  influence  upon  each  other.  But  this  is 
not  the  state  of  the  fact.  The  slaves  of  the  United  States  are 
chiefly  restricted  to  one  quarter  of  the  Union,  which  may  be 
described  with  sufficient  general  accuracy,  by  a  boundary,  be- 
ginning with  the  mouth  of  the  Potomac  river,  extending  to  its 
head,  thence  to  the  Ohio  river,  and  down  it  and  the  Mississippi 
to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  with  that  and  the  Atlantic  ocean, 
and  the  Bay  of  Chesapeake,  to  the  beginning.  Maryland,  De- 
laware, Missouri,  a  part  of  Louisiana  and  Arkansas,  compose 
the  whole  of  the  residue  of  the  slave  district  of  the  United  States. 
Within  those  limits  all  our  slaves  are  concentrated ;  and,  with- 
in a  portion  of  them,  irresistible  causes  tend  inevitably  to  their 
further  concentration.  In  one  of  the  States,  comprised  within 
these  limits,  the  slave  stock  had,  at  the  last  census,  the  superi- 
ority in  numbers,  whilst  in  several  others,  the  enumeration  ex- 
hibits the  two  races  in  nearly  equal  proportions. 

"  Time  alone,  which  unveils  every  thing  permitted  men  to 
see,  can  disclose  the  consequences,  now  wrapt  in  futurity,  of 
the  state  of  things  which  I  have  slightly  touched.  But,  without 
violating  his  prerogative,  we  may  venture  to  catch,  in  anticipa- 
tion, a  gUmpse  of  some  of  them. 

"  The  humanity  of  the  slave  States  of  the  Union  has  prompt- 
ed them  greatly  to  meliorate  the  condition  of  slaves.  They  are 
protected,  in  all  instances,  by  just  laws,  from  injury  extending  to 
their  lives,  and  in  many,  from  cruelty  applied  to  their  persons. 
Public  opinion  has  done  even  more  than  the  laws  in  elevating 
their  condition  in  the  scale  of  human  existence.  In  this  State, 
as  well  as  in  others,  they  are  treated  with  much  kindness,  and 
abundantly  supplied  with  substantial  food  of  meat  and  bread 
and  vegetables,  and  comfortable  clothing,  whilst  they  are  mode- 


310  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

rately  tasked  in  labour.  But  still  they  are  subject  to  many  civil 
disabilities,  and  there  is  a  vast  space  between  them  and  the  race 
of  freemen.  Our  laws  continue  to  regard  them  as  property, 
and,  consequently,  as  instruments  of  labour,  bound  to  obey  the 
mandate  of  others.  As  a  mere  labourer,  the  slave  feels  that  he 
toils  for  his  master,  and  not  for  himself;  that  the  laws  do  not 
recognize  his  capacity  to  acquire  and  hold  property,  which  de- 
pends altogether  upon  the  pleasure  of  his  proprietor  ;  and  that 
all  the  fruits  of  his  exertions  are  reaped  by  others.  He  knows 
that,  whether  sick  or  well,  in  times  of  scarcity  or  abundance, 
his  master  is  bound  to  provide  for  him,  by  the  all-powerful  in- 
fluence of  the  motive  of  self-interest.  He  is  generally,  there- 
fore, indifferent  to  the  adverse  or  prosperous  fortunes  of  his 
master,  being  contented  if  he  can  escape  his  displeasure  or  chas- 
tisement, by  a  careless  and  slovenly  performance  of  his  duties. 

"  This  is  the  state  of  the  relation  of  master  and  slave,  prescrib- 
ed by  the  law  of  its  nature,  and  founded  in  the  reason  of  things. 
There  are  undoubtedly  many  exceptions,  in  which  the  slave 
dedicates  himself  to  his  master  with  a  zealous  and  generous 
devotion,  and  the  master  to  the  slave  with  a  parental  and  affec- 
tionate attachment.  But  it  is  not  my  purpose  to  speak  of  those 
particular  though  endearing  instances  of  mutual  regard,  but  of 
the  general  state  of  the  unfortunate  relation. 

"  That  labour  is  best,  if  it  can  be  commanded,  in  which  the 
labourer  knows  that  he  will  derive  the  profits  of  his  industry ; 
that  his  employment  depends  upon  his  diligence,  and  his  reward 
upon  his  assiduity.  He  has  then  every  motive  to  excite  him  to 
exertion,  and  to  animate  him  in  perseverance.  He  knows  that 
if  he  is  treated  badly  he  can  exchange  his  employer  for  one 
who  will  better  estimate  his  service;  that  he  does  not  entirely 
depend  upon  another's  beck  and  nod;  and  that  whatever  he 
earns  is  his,  to  be  distributed  by  himself,  as  he  pleases,  among 
his  wife  and  children  and  friends,  or  enjoyed  by  himself  He 
feels,  in  a  word,  that  he  is  a  free  agent,  with  rights  and  privileges 
and  sensibilities. 

"  Wherever  the  option  exists  to  employ,  at  an  equal  hire,  free 
or  slave  labour,  the  former  will  be  decidedly  preferred,  for  the 
reasons  already  assigned.  It  is  more  capable,  more  diligent, 
more  faithful ;  and,  in  every  respect,  worthy  of  more  confi- 
dence. In  the  first  settlement  of  some  countries,  or  communi- 
ties, capital  may  be  unable  to  command  the  free  labour  which 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  311 

it  wants,  and  it  may,  therefore,  purchase  that  of  slaves.  Such 
was,  and  yet  is,  the  condition  of  many  parts  of  the  United 
States.  But  there  are  others,  and  they  are  annually  increasing 
in  extent,  in  which  the  labour  of  freemen  can  be  commanded 
at  a  rate  quite  as  cheap  as  that  of  slaves,  in  States  which  tole- 
rate slavery. 

"Although  in  particular  States,  or  parts  of  States,  the  increase 
of  the  African  portion  of  population  would  seem  to  be  greater 
than  that  of  the  European  stock,  this  fact  is  believed  to  be  sus- 
ceptible of  an  explanation,  from  the  operation  of  causes  of  emi- 
gration, which  would  not  assign  to  it  greater  prolific  powers. 
On  the  contrary,  all  the  enumerations  of  the  people  of  the 
United  States  sustain  clearly  the  position,  that,  contrasting  the 
whole  European  race  throughout  the  Union  with  the  whole 
of  the  African  race,  bond  and  free,  also  throughout  the  Union, 
the  former  multiplies  faster  than  the  latter.     As  time  elapses 
our  numbers  will  augment,  our  deserts  become  peopled,  and 
our  country  will   become  as  densely  populated  as  its  agri- 
cultural, manufacturing,  and  commercial  faculties  will  admit. 
In  proportion  to  the  density  of  population  are  the  supply  and 
the  wages  of  labour.     The  demand  for  labour  also  increases 
with  the  augmentation  of  numbers,  though  probably  not  in 
the  same  proportion.     Assuming  our  present  population  at 
twelve  millions,  when  it  shall  be  increased,  as  in  about  thirty 
years  it  will  be,  to  twenty-four  millions,  we  shall  have  double 
the  amount  of  available  labour  that  we  can  command  at  pre- 
sent.   And  there  will  consequently  be  a  great,  though  probably 
not  proportionate,  reduction  in  the  wages  of  labour.     As  the 
supply  of  labourers  increases,  a  competition  will  arise  between, 
not  only  individuals,  but  classes,  for  employment.     The  supe- 
rior qualities  which  have  been  attributed  to  free  labour  will 
ensure  for  that  the  preference,  wherever  the  alternative  is  pre- 
sented of  engaging  free  or  slave  labour,  at  an  equal  price.   This 
competition,  and  the  preference  for  white  labour,  are  believed 
to  be  already  discernible  in  parts  of  Maryland,  Virginia,  and 
Kentucky,  and  probably  existed  in  Pennsylvania  and  other 
States  north  of  Maryland,  prior  to  the  disappearance  of  slaves 
from  among  them.     The   march   of  the   ascendency  of  free 
labour  over  slave,  will  proceed  from  the  North  to  the  South, 
gradually  entering  first  the  States  nearest  to  the  free  region. 


312  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Its  progress  would  be  more  rapid,  if  it  were  not  impeded  by  the 
check  resulting  from  the  repugnance  of  the  white  man  to  work 
among  slav^es,  or  where  slavery  is  tolerated. 

"  In  proportion  to  the  multiplication  of  the  descendants  of  the 
European  stock,  and  the  consequent  diminution  of  the  value  of 
slave  labour,  by  the  general  diminution  of  wages,  will  there  be 
an  abatement  in  the  force  of  motives  to  rear  slaves.  The  mas- 
ter will  not  find  an  adequate  indemnity  in  the  price  of  the  adult 
for  the  charges  of  maintaining  and  bringing  up  the  oifspring. 
His  care  and  attention  will  relax ;  and  he  will  be  indifferent 
about  incurring  expenses  when  they  are  sick,  and  in  providing 
for  their  general  comfort,  when  he  knows  that  he  will  not  be 
uhimately  compensated.  There  may  not  be  numerous  instances 
of  positive  violation  of  the  duties  of  humanity,  but  every  one 
knows  the  difterence  between  a  negligence,  which  is  not  crimi- 
nal, and  a  watchful  vigilance  stimulated  by  interest,  which 
allows  no  want  to  be  unsupplied.  The  effect  of  this  relaxed 
attention  to  the  oflspring  will  be,  to  reduce  the  rates  of  general 
increase  of  the  slave  portion  of  our  population,  whilst  that  of 
the  other  race,  not  subject  to  the  same  neglect,  will  increase  and 
fill  up  the  void.  A  still  greater  effect,  from  the  diminution  of 
the  value  of  labour,  will  be  that  of  voluntary  emancipations; 
the  master  being  now  anxious  to  relieve  himself  from  a  bur- 
then, without  profit,  by  renouncing  his  right  of  property.  One 
or  two  facts  will  illustrate  some  of  these  principles.  Prior  to 
the  annexation  of  Louisiana  to  the  United  States,  the  supply  of 
slaves  from  Africa  was  abundant.  The  price  of  adults  was 
generally  about  one  hundred  dollars,  a  price  less  than  the  cost 
of  raising  an  infant.  Then  it  was  believed  that  the  climate  of 
that  province  was  unfavourable  to  the  rearing  of  negro  chil- 
dren, and  comparatively  few  were  raised.  After  the  United 
States  abolished  the  slave  trade,  the  price  of  adults  rose  very 
considerably,  greater  attention  was  consequently  bestowed  on 
their  children,  and  now,  no  where  is  the  African  female  more 
prolific  than  she  is  in  Louisiana,  and  the  climate  of  no  one  of 
the  Southern  States  is  supposed  to  be  more  favourable  to  rear- 
ing the  offspring.  The  serfs  of  Russia  possess  a  market  value 
inferior  to  that  of  the  African  slaves  of  the  United  States  ;  and, 
although  the  lord  is  not  believed  to  be  bound  to  provide  for  the 
support  of  his  dependent,  as  the  American  master  is  for  his 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  313 

slave,  voluntarv  manumissions  of  the  serf  are  very  frequent,  in- 
fluenced in  some  degree,  no  doubt,  by  his  inconsiderable  value. 

"  What  has  tended  to  sustain  the  price  of  slaves  in  the  United 
States  has  been  that  very  fact  of  the  acquisition  of  Louisiana, 
but  especially  the  increasing  demand  for  cotton,  and  the  conse- 
quent increase  of  its  cultivation.  The  price  of  cotton,  a  much 
more  extensive  object  of  culture  than  sugar  cane,  regulates  the 
price  of  slaves  as  unerringly  as  any  one  subject  whatever  is  regu- 
lated by  any  standard.  As  it  rises  in  price,  they  rise  ;  as  it  falls, 
they  fall.  But  the  multiplication  of  slaves,  by  natural  causes, 
must  soon  be  much  greater  than  the  increase  of  the  demand  for 
them ;  to  say  nothing  of  the  progressive  decline  which  has 
taken  place  in  that  great  Southern  staple,  within  a  few  years, 
and  which  there  is  no  reason  to  believe  will  be  permanently 
arrested.  Whenever  the  demand  for  the  cultivation  of  sugar 
and  cotton  comes  to  be  fully  supplied,  the  price  of  slaves  will 
begin  to  decline ;  and  as  that  demand  cannot  possibly  keep 
pace  with  the  supply,  the  price  will  decline  more  and  more. 
Farming  agriculture  cannot  sustain  it;  for  it  is  believed  that 
no  where  in  the  farming  portion  of  the  United  States  would 
slave  labour  be  generally  employed,  if  the  proprietor  were  not 
tempted  to  raise  slaves  by  the  high  price  of  the  Southern  mar- 
ket, which  keeps  it  up  in  his  own. 

"  Partial  causes  may  retard  the  decline  in  the  value  of  slaves. 
The  tendency  of  slaves  is,  to  crowd  into  those  countries  or  dis- 
tricts, if  not  obstructed  by  the  policy  of  States,  where  their 
labour  is  most  profitably  employed.  This  is  the  law"  of  their 
nature,  as  it  is  the  general  law  of  all  capital  and  labour.  The 
slave  trade  has  not  yet  been  effectively  stopt  in  the  island  of 
Cuba.  Whenever  it  is,  as  slaves  can  be  there  more  profitably 
employed,  on  more  valuable  products  than  in  the  United  States, 
and  as  the  supply  there  is  much  below  the  demand  which  will 
arise  out  of  the  susceptibilities  of  the  island  for  agricultural  pro- 
duce, they  will  rise  in  price  much  higher  there  than  in  the 
United  Slates.  If  the  laws  do  not  forbid  it,  vast  numbers  will 
be  exported  to  that  island.  And  if  they  do  prohibit  it,  many 
will  be  smuggled  in,  tempted  by  the  high  prices  which  they  will 
bear. 

"  But  neither  this,  nor  any  other  conceivable  cause,  can  for 
any  length  of  time  check  the  fall  in  the  value  of  slaves  to  which 
they  are  inevitably  destined.  We  have  seen  that,  as  slaves 
27 


314  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

diminish  in  price,  the  motive  of  the  proprietors  of  them  to  rear 
the  ofispring  will  abate,  that  consequent  neglect  in  providing  for 
their  wants  will  ensue,  and  consequent  voluntary  emancipation 
will  take  place.  That  adult  slaves  will,  in  process  of  time,  sink 
in  value  even  below  a  hundred  dollars  each,  I  have  not  a  doubt. 
This  result  may  not  be  brought  about  by  the  termination  of  the 
first  period  of  their  duplication,  but  that  it  will  come,  at  some 
subsequent,  and  not  distant  period,  I  think  perfectly  clear. 
Whenever  the  price  of  the  adult  shall  be  less  than  the  cost  of 
raising  him  from  infancy,  what  inducetoent  will  the  proprietor 
of  the  parent  have  to  incur  that  expense  ?  In  such  a  state  of 
things,  it  will  be  in  vain  that  the  laws  prohibit  manumission. 
No  laws  can  be  enforced,  or  will  be  respected,  the  effect  of 
which  is  the  ruin  of  those  on  whom  they  operate.  In  spite  of 
all  their  penalties  the  liberation  or  abandonment  of  slaves  will 
take  place. 

"As  the  two  races  progressively  multiply  and  augment  the 
source  of  supply  of  labour,  its  wages  will  diminish,  and  the  pre- 
ference already  noticed  will  be  given  of  free  to  slave  labour. 
But  another  effect  will  also  arise.  There  v/ill  be  not  only  a 
competition  between  the  two  races  for  employment,  but  a  strug- 
gle, not  perceptible  perhaps  to  the  superficial  observer,  for  subsis- 
tence. In  such  a  struggle,  the  stronger  and  more  powerful  race 
Avill  prevail.  And  as  the  law  which  regulates  the  state  of  popula- 
tion in  any  given  community,  is  derived  from  the  quantity  of 
its  subsistence,  the  further  consequence  would  be  an  insensible 
decline  in  the  increase  of  the  weaker  race.  Pinched  by  want, 
and  neglected  by  their  masters,  who  would  regard  them  as  a 
burthen,  they  would  be  stimulated  to  the  commission  of  crimes, 
and  especially  those  of  a  petty  description. 

"  When  we  consider  the  cruelty  of  the  origin  of  negro  slave- 
ry, its  nature,  the  character  of  the  free  institutions  of  the  whites, 
and  the  irresistible  progress  of  public  opinion,  throughout  Ame- 
rica as  well  as  in  Europe,  it  is  impossible  not  to  anticipate  fre- 
quent insurrections  among  the  blacks  in  the  United  States. 
They  are  rational  beings  like  ourselves,  capable  of  feeling,  of 
reflection,  and  of  judging  of  what  naturally  belongs  to  them  as 
a  portion  of  the  human  race.  By  the  very  condition  of  the  rela- 
tion which  subsists  between  us,  we  are  enemies  of  each  other. 
They  know  well  the  wrongs  which  their  ancestors  suffered  at  the 
hands  of  our  ancestors,  and  the  wrongs  which  they  believe  they 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  315 

continue  to  endure,  although  they  maybe  unable  to  avenge  them. 
They  are  kept  in  subjection  only  by  the  superior  intelligence 
and  superior  power  of  the  predominant  race.  Their  brethren 
have  been  liberated  in  every  part  of  the  continent  of  America, 
except  in  the  United  States  and  the  Brazils.  I  have  just  seen 
an  act  of  the  President  of  the  Republic  of  the  United  Mexican 
States,  dated  no  longer  aga  than  the  15th  of  September  last,  by 
■which  the  whole  of  them  in  that  Republic  have  been  emanci- 
pated. A  great  effort  is  now  making  in  Great  Britain,  which 
tends  to  the  same  ultimate  effect,  in  regard  to  the  negro  slaves 
in  the  British  West  Indies. 

"  Happily  for  us,  no  such  insurrection  can  ever  be  attended 
with  permanent  success,  as  long  as  our  Union  endures.  It 
would  be  speedily  suppressed  by  the  all-powerful  means  of  the 
United  States;  and  it  would  be  the  madness  of  despair  in  the 
blacks  that  should  attempt  it.  But  if  attempted  in  some  parts 
of  the  United  States,  what  shocking  scenes  of  carnage,  rapine, 
and  lawless  violence,  might  not  be  perpetrated  before  the  arri- 
val at  the  theatre  of  action  of  a  competent  force  to  quell  it! 
And  after  it  was  put  down,  what  other  scenes  of  military  rig- 
our and  bloody  executions  would  not  be  indispensably  neces- 
sary to  punish  the  insurgents,  and  impress  their  whole  race 
with  the  influence  of  a  terrible  example ! 

"Of  all  the  descriptions  of  our  population,  and  of  either  por- 
tion of  the  African  race,  the  free  people  of  colour  are,  by  far,  as  a 
class,  the  most  corrupt,  depraved,  and  abandoned.  There  are 
many  honourable  exceptions  among  them,  and  I  take  pleasure 
in  bearing  testimony  to  some  I  know.  It  is  not  so  much  their 
fault  as  the  consequence  of  their  anomalous  condition.  Place 
ourselves,  place  any  men  in  the  like  predicament,  and  similar 
effects  would  follow.  They  are  not  slaves,  and  yet  they  are 
not  free.  The  laws,  it  is  true,  proclaim  them  free ;  but  preju- 
dices, more  powerful  than  any  laws,  deny  them  the  privileges 
of  freemen.  They  occupy  a  middle  station,  between  the  free 
white  population  and  the  slaves  of  the  United  States,  and  the 
tendency  of  their  habits  is  to  corrupt  both.  They  crowd  our 
large  cities,  where  those  who  will  work  can  best  procure  suita- 
ble employment,  and  where  those  who  addict  themselves  to 
vice  can  best  practice  and  conceal  their  crimes.  If  the  vicious 
habits  and  propensities  of  this  class,  were  not  known  to  every 
man  of  attentive  observation,  they  would  be  demonstrated  by 


316  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  unerring  test  of  the  census.  According  to  the  last  enumer- 
ation of  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States,  it  appeared  that 
the  rate  of  its  annual  increase,  was  only  about  two  and  a  half 
per  cent.,  whilst  that  of  the  other  classes  was  about  three.  No 
other  adequate  cause  for  this  disproportion  can  be  assigned,  but 
that  of  the  improvidence  and  vices  of  the  class  referred  to.  If 
previous  enumerations  exhibited  different  results,  they  were 
owing  chiefly  to  the  accession  of  numbers,  which  it  received 
by  the  acquisition  of  Louisiana,  and  the  events  of  St.  Domin- 
go. But,  if  the  reasoning  which  I  have  before  employed,  be 
correct,  this  class  is  destined,  by  voluntary  manumission  or 
abandonment,  to  increase  and  ultimately,  perhaps,  to  be  more 
numerous  in  the  United  States,  than  their  brethren  in  bondage, 
if  there  be  no  provision  for  their  removal  to  another  country. 

"Is  there  no  remedy,  I  again  ask,  for  the  evils  of  which  I  have 
sketched  a  faint  and  imperfect  picture  ?  Is  our  posterity  doom- 
ed to  endure  for  ever  not  only  all  the  ills  flowing  from  the  state 
of  slavery,  but  all  which  arise  from  incongruous  elements  of 
population,  separated  from  each  other  by  invincible  prejudices, 
and  by  natural  causes?  Whatever  may  be  the  character  of 
the  remedy  proposed,  we  may  confidently  pronounce  it  inade- 
quate, unless  it  provides  efficaciously  for  the  total  and  absolute 
separation,  by  an  extensive  space  of  water  or  of  land,  at  least, 
of  the  white  portion  of  our  population  from  that  which  is  free 
of  the  coloured. 

"  This  brings  me  to  the  consideration  of  the  particular  scheme 
of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  to  which  this  is  auxiliary. 
That  scheme  does  not  owe  the  first  conception  of  its  design  to 
any  individuals,  by  whose  agency  the  society  was  first  consti- 
tuted. Several  of  them,  and  especially  the  late  Rev.  Mr.  Fin- 
ley,  of  New  Jersey,  and  Mr.  Caldwell,  of  the  District  of  Colum- 
bia, were  entitled  to  great  praise  for  their  spirited  exertions  in 
the  formation  and  organization  of  the  society.  But  the  original 
conception  of  such  a  project  is  to  be  traced  to  a  date  long  an- 
terior to  their  laudable  efl"orts  on  this  subject.  However  diffi- 
cult it  might  have  been  supposed  to  be  in  the  execution,  it  was 
an  obvious  remedy,  and  the  suggestion  of  it  may  be  referred 
back  to  a  period  as  remote  as  the  Revolutionary  War.  The 
State  of  Virginia,  always  pre-eminent  in  works  of  benevolence, 
prior  to  the  formation  of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  by 
two  distinct  acts  of  her  Legislature,  separated  by  intervals  of 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  317 

time  of  sufficient  length  to  imply  full  deliberation,  expressed 
her  approbation  of  the  plan  of  colonization. 

"  In  considering  the  project  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society,  our  first  inquiry  should  be  into  what  it  really  is — then 
what  it  has  done;  and,  finally,  what  it  is  capable  of  achieving. 
It  is  a  voluntary  association,  formed  for  benevolent  purposes,  as 
must  be  freely  acknowledged  by  all,  if  they  should  even  prove 
the  experiment  to  be  impracticable.  Its  aim  is  to  transport  to 
the  western  shores  of  Africa,  from  the  United  States,  all  such 
free  persons  of  colour  as  choose  voluntarily  to  go.  From  its 
origin,  and  throughout  the  whole  period  of  its  existence,  it  has 
constantly  disclaimed  all  intention  whatever  of  interfering,  in 
the  smallest  degree,  with  the  rights  of  property,  or  the  object  of 
emancipation,  gradual  or  immediate.  It  is  not  only  without 
inclination,  but  it  is  without  power,  to  make  any  such  inter- 
ference. It  is  not  even  a  chartered  or  incorporated  company; 
and  it  has  no  other  foundation  than  that  of  Bible  societies,  or 
any  other  Christian  or  charitable  unincorporated  companies  in 
our  country.  It  knows  that  the  subject  of  emancipation  belongs 
exclusively  to  the  several  States  in  which  slavery  is  tolerated, 
and  to  individual  proprietors  of  slaves  in  those  States,  under 
and  according  to  their  laws.  It  hopes,  indeed,  (and  I  trust 
there  is  nothing  improper  or  offensive  in  the  hope)  that  if  it 
shall  demonstrate  the  practicability  of  the  successful  removal  to 
Africa,  of  free  persons  of  colour,  with  their  own  consent,  the 
cause  of  emancipation,  either  by  States  or  by  individuals,  may 
be  incidentally  advanced.  That  hope  is  founded  not  only  on 
the  true  interest  of  both  races  of  our  population,  but  upon  the 
assertion,  so  repeatedly  made,  that  the  great  obstacle  to  eman- 
cipation arose  out  of  the  difficulty  of  a  proper  disposal  of  manu- 
mitted slaves.  Its  pecuniary  means,  applicable  to  the  design 
of  the  institution,  are  voluntarily  contributed  by  benevolent 
States  or  individuals.  The  States  of  Virginia  and  Maryland, 
besides  numerous  pious  or  generous  persons  throughout  the 
United  States,  have  aided  the  society. 

"  Such  was  the  object  of  the  American  Colonization  Society, 
organized  at  the  city  of  Washington  about  thirteen  years  ago. 
Auxiliary  institutions  have  been  formed,  in  various  parts  of  the 
Union,  to  aid  and  cooperate  with  the  parent  association,  which 
have  limited  their  exertions  chiefly  to  the  transmission  to  the 
treasurer  of  the  society,  of  such  funds  as  they  could  collect  by 
27* 


31 S  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  voluntary  contributions  of  benevolent  and  charitable  indi- 
viduals. The  auxiliary  society  for  the  state  of  Kentucky, 
which  I  now  address,  was  organized  at  the  commencement  of 
the  present  year. 

"  The  American  Colonization  Society,  so  constituted,  with 
such  objects  and  such  means,  shortly  after  its  formation,  went 
into  operation.  It  transacts  its  business  at  home,  principally 
through  a  board  of  managers,  which  for  the  sake  of  convenience 
is  fixed  in  the  metropolis  of  the  Union,  and  in  Africa,  through 
an  agent  abiding  there,  and  acting  under  instructions  received 
from  the  Board.  The  society  has  an  annual  session  in  the  city 
of  Washington,  which  is  attended  by  its  members,  and  by  re- 
presentatives from  such  of  the  auxiliary  institutions,  as  can 
conveniently  depute  them,  at  which  sessions  the  Board  of 
Managers  makes  a  report  of  the  general  condition  of  the  affairs 
of  the  society,  during  the  previous  year. 

"It  would  be  an  inexcusable  trespass  upon  your  time,  to  enter 
into  a  minute  narrative  of  all  the  transactions  of  the  society, 
from  its  commencement  up  to  this  time.  Those  who  choose  to 
examine  them  particularly,  will  find  them  recorded  in  the 
several  reports  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  which  from  time  to 
time  have  been  published  under  its  direction  and  authority.  It 
will  suffice  at  present  to  say,  that  one  of  the  earliest  acts  of  the 
society,  was  to  despatch  a  competent  agent  to  Africa,  to  explore 
its  coasts  and  the  countries  bordering  upon  them,  and  to  select 
a  suitable  spot  for  the  establishment  of  the  contemplated  colo- 
ny. The  society  was  eminently  fortunate  in  the  choice  of  its 
agent,  as  it  has  been  generally  in  those  whom  it  subsequently 
engaged  in  its  service.  A  selection  was  finally  made  of  a 
proper  district  of  country,  a  purchase  was  effected  of  it  from 
the  native  authorities,  to  which  additions  have  been  made,  as 
the  growing  wants  of  the  colony,  actual  or  anticipated,  re- 
quired. The  country  so  acquired,  upon  terms  as  moderate  as 
those  on  which  the  Government  of  the  Union  extinguishes  the 
Indian  title  to  soil  within  the  United  States,  embraces  large 
tracts  of  fertile  land,  capable  of  yielding  all  the  rich  and  varied 
products  of  the  tropics,  possesses  great  commercial  advantages, 
with  an  extent  of  sea-coast,  from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two 
hundred  miles,  and  enjoys  a  salubrious  climate,  well  adapted 
to  the  negro  constitution,  and  not  so  fatal  to  that  of  the  whites, 
as  many  thickly  peopled  parts  of  the  United  States. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  319 

'•'Within  that  district  of  country,  the  society  founded  its  colo- 
ny, under  the  denomination  of  Liberia,  estabhshed  towns,  laid 
off  plantations  for  the  colonists,  and  erected  military  works  for 
their  defence.  Annually,  and  as  often  as  the  pecuniary  circum- 
stances of  the  society  would  admit,  vessels  from  the  ports  of 
the  United  States,  have  been  sent  to  Liberia,  laden  with  emi- 
grants and  with  utensils,  provisions  and  other  objects,  for  their 
comfort.  No  difficulty  has  been  experienced  in  obtaining  as 
many  colonists  as  the  means  of  the  society  were  competent  to 
transport.  They  have  been  found,  indeed,  altogether  inade- 
quate to  accommodate  all  who  were  willing  and  anxious  to  go. 
The  rate  of  expense  of  transportation  and  subsistence  during 
the  voyage,  per  head,  was  greater  in  the  earlier  voyages.  It 
was  subsequently  reduced  to  about  twenty  dollars,  and  is 
believed  to  be  susceptible  of  considerable  further  reduction. 
The  number  of  colonists  of  both  sexes,  amounts  now  to  about 
fifteen  hundred. 

"  The  colony,  in  the  first  periods  of  its  existence,  had  some 
collisions  with  the  native  tribes,  which  rose  to  such  a  height  as 
to  break  out  in  open  war,  about  four  or  five  years  ago.  The 
war  was  conducted  by  the  late  gallant  Mr.  Ashmun,  with 
singular  good  judgment  and  fortune,  and  was  speedily  brought 
to  a  successful  close.  It  had  the  effect  to  impress  upon  the 
natives,  a  high  idea  of  the  skill,  bravery,  and  power  of  the 
colonists,  and  having  since  become  better  acquainted  with 
them,  perceived  the  advantages  of  the  colony,  and  gradually 
acquired  a  taste  for  its  commerce  and  arts,  no  further  misun- 
derstanding with  them  is  apprehended,  and  the  colony  is 
daily  acquiring  a  salutary  influence  over  them. 

*'  The  colony  has  a  government  adequate  to  the  protection  of 
the  rights  of  persons  and  property,  and  to  the  preservation  of 
order.  The  agent  of  the  society  combines  the  functions  of  gov- 
ernor, commander-in-chief,  and  highest  judicial  ofiicer.  The 
colonists  share  in  the  government,  and  elect  various  officers 
necessary  to  the  administration.  They  appoint  annually  boards 
or  committees  of  public  works,  of  agriculture  and  of  health, 
which  are  charged  v;ith  the  superintendence  of  those  important 
interests.  It  has  established  schools  for  the  instruction  of  youth, 
and  erected  houses  of  public  worship,  in  which  divine  service 
is  regularly  performed.     And,  it  has  a  public  library  of  twelve 


320  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

hundred  volumes,  and  a  printing  press,  which  issues  periodical- 
ly a  gazette. 

"  The  colonists  follow  the  mechanical  arts,  or  agriculture,  or 
commerce,  as  their  inclinations  or  attainments  prompt  them. 
The  land  produces  rice,  cassada,  coffee,  potatoes,  and  all  kinds 
of  garden  vegetables;  and  is  capable  of  yielding  sugar  cane, 
indigo,  in  short,  all  the  productions  of  the  tropics.  It  is  rich, 
easily  tilled,  and  yields  two  crops  of  many  articles  in  the  circle 
of  a  year.  They  carry  on  an  advantageous  commerce  with  the 
natives  by  exchanges  for  ivory,  gums,  dye-stuffs,  drugs,  and 
other  articles  of  African  origin;  and  with  the  United  States, 
which  is  annually  increasing,  and  which  amounted  last  year  to 
sixty  thousand  dollars,  in  the  produce  of  the  colony,  and  in 
objects  acquired  by  their  traffic  with  the  natives;  receiving,  in 
return,  such  supplies  of  American  and  other  manufactures  as 
are  best  adapted  to  their  wants. 

"  Such  is  the  present  condition  of  the  colony,  according  to  the 
latest  intelligence.  Here  the  society  may  pause,  and  with  its 
pious  and  enlightened  patrons  and  a  generous  public,  look  back 
with  proud  satisfaction,  on  the  work,  which,  with  the  blessings 
of  Providence,  has  so  prospered.  That,  in  its  progress,  it  has 
met  with  obstacles  and  experienced  discouragements,  is  most 
true.  What  great  human  undertaking  was  ever  exempt  from 
them?  Its  misfortunes  in  Africa  have  been  similar  in  charac- 
ter, though  it  is  confidently  believed,  less  in  degree,  than  those 
which  generally  attend  the  establishment  of  distant  colonies,  in 
foreign  lands,  amidst  ignorant  and  untutored  savages,  A  large 
portion  of  the  deaths  which  have  taken  place  may  be  attributed 
to  rash  exposure,  and  other  imprudencies,  under  an  untried  sun, 
and  subject  to  the  action  of  a  strange  climate.  But  the  colony 
can  triumphantly  exhibit  its  bills  of  mortality,  in  comparison 
with  those  of  other  colonies,  in  their  early  foundation,  on  this  or 
any  other  continent.  And  experience  justifies  the  hope,  that 
the  instances  of  mortality  will  constantly  diminish  with  the 
augmented  population,  means,  and  strength  of  the  colony. 

"But  at  home,  in  the  parent  country,  here  in  tiie  United 
States,  notwithstanding  the  concurrence  of  so  many  powerful 
motives,  recommending  success  to  the  exertions  of  the  society, 
has  it  met  with  the  most  serious  opposition,  and  bitter  denunci- 
ation.    At  one  time,  it  has  been  represented  as  a  scheme  to 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  321 

forge  stronger  and  perpetual  chains  for  the  slaves  among  us. 
Then,  that  it  had  a  covert  aim  to  emancipate  them  all  immedi- 
ately, and  throw  them,  with  all  their  imperfections,  loose  upon 
society.  Those  who  judged  less  unfavourably  of  the  purposes 
of  the  institution,  pronounced  it  a  bright  vision,  impracticable 
in  its  means  and  Utopian  in  its  end.  There  is,  unfortunately, 
in  every  community,  a  class  not  small,  who,  devoid  themselves 
of  the  energy  necessary  to  achieve  any  noble  enterprise,  and 
affecting  to  penetrate  with  deeper  sagacity  into  the  projects 
of  others,  pronounce  their  ultimate  failure,  with  self-compla- 
cency, and  challenge  by  anticipation,  the  merit  of  prophetic 
wisdom.  Unmoved  by  these  erroneous  and  unfriendly  views, 
the  society,  trusting  to  the  vindication  which  time  and  truth 
never  fail  to  bring,  has  proceeded  steadily  and  perseveringly  in 
its  great  work.  It  has  not  been  deceived.  It  has  every  where 
found  some  generous  patrons  and  ardent  friends.  The  Legis- 
latures of  more  than  half  the  States  of  this  enlightened  Union, 
among  which  I  am  happy  to  be  able  to  mention  our  own,  have 
been  pleased  to  express  their  approbation  of  the  scheme.  It 
has  conciliated  the  cordial  support  of  the  pious  clergy,  of  every 
denomination  in  the  United  States.  It  has  been  countenanced 
and  aided  by  that  fair  sex,  which  is  ever  prompt  to  contribute 
its  exertions  in  works  of  charity  and  benevolence,  because  it 
always  acts  from  the  generous  impulses  of  pure  and  uncor- 
rupted  hearts.  And  the  society  enrolls  amongst  its  members 
and  patrons,  some  of  the  most  distinguished  men  of  our  coun- 
try, in  its  Legislative,  Executive,  and  Judicial  councils.  We 
should  be  guilty  of  an  unpardonable  omission,  if  we  did  not, 
on  this  occasion,  mingle  our  regrets  with  those  of  the  whole 
people  of  these  States,  on  account  of  a  lamented  death  of  one 
them,  which  has  recently  occurred.  He  was  the  President  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society  from  its  origin,  and  through- 
out the  entire  period  of  its  existence.  Like  the  Father  of  his 
country,  his  illustrious  relative,  whose  name  he  bore  and  whose 
affection  he  enjoyed,  he  was  mild  and  gentle,  firm  and  patri- 
otic. The  Bench,  of  which  he  was  an  ornament,  and  the  Bar, 
of  which  he  was  the  delight,  feeling  his  great  loss,  deeply  share 
with  us  all  in  the  grief  which  it  produces. 

"The  society  presents  to  the  American  public  no  project  of 
emancipation,  no  new  chains  for  those  who  are  unhappily  in 
bondage,  no  scheme  that  is  impracticable.     It  has  no  power, 


322  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

and  it  seeks  none.  It  employs  no  compulsion,  and  it  desires  to 
employ  none.  It  addresses  itself  solely  to  the  understanding; 
its  revenue  flows  from  spontaneous  grants,  and  all  its  means 
and  agents  and  objects  are  voluntary. 

"The  society  believes  it  is  within  the  compass  of  reasonable 
exertions,  to  transport  annually  to  the  colony  of  Liberia,  a 
number  of  free  persons  of  colour,  with  their  own  voluntary 
consent,  equal  to  the  annual  increase  of  all  that  class  in  the 
United  States.  That  annual  increase,  estimated  according  to 
the  return  of  the  last  census,  from  the  parent  stock  of  233,530, 
at  a  rate  of  augmentation  of  two  and  a  half  per  cent,  per  an- 
num, may  be  stated  to  be  six  thousand.  Estimating  the  whole 
expense  of  the  voyage  at  twenty  dollars  per  head,  the  total 
cost  of  their  transportation  will  be  one  hundred  and  twenty 
thousand  dollars.  Is  this  sum  of  such  an  appalling  amount,  as 
to  transcend  the  ability  of  the  people  of  the  United  States? 
All  admit  the  utility  of  the  separation  of  the  free  people  of 
colour  from  the  residue  of  the  population  of  the  United  States, 
if  it  be  practicable.  It  is  desirable  for  them,  for  the  slaves  of 
the  United  States,  and  for  the  white  race.  Here,  invincible 
prejudices  exclude  them  from  the  enjoyment  of  the  society  of 
the  whites,  and  deny  them  all  the  advantages  of  freemerfr  The 
bar,  the  pulpit,  and  our  legislative  halls,  are  shut  to  them,  by 
the  irresistible  force  of  public  sentiment.  No  talents,  however 
great,  no  piety,  however  pure  and  devoted,  no  patriotism,  how- 
ever ardent,  can  secure  their  admission.  They  constantly  hear 
the  accents,  and  behold  the  triumphs,  of  a  liberty  which  here 
they  can  never  enjoy.  In  all  the  walks  of  society,  on  every 
road  which  lies  before  others  to  honour,  and  fame,  and  glory,  a 
moral  incubus  pursues  and  arrests  them,  paralyzing  all  the  en- 
ergies of  the  soul,  and  repressing  every  generous  emotion  of 
laudable  ambition.  Their  condition  is  worse  than  that  of  the 
fabled  Tantalus,  who  could  never  grasp  the  fruits  and  water 
which  seemed  within  his  reach.     And  when  they  die, 

'  Memory  o'er  their  tomb  no  trophies  raises.' 

Why  should  such  an  unfortunate  class  desire  to  remain  among 
us?  Why  should  they  not  wish  to  go  to  the  country  of  their 
forefathers,  where,  in  the  language  of  the  eloquent  Irish  barris- 
ter, they  would  '  stand  redeemed,  regenerated,  and  disenthralled, 
by  the  mighty  genius  of  universal  emancipation.' 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  323 

"The  vices  of  this  class  do  not  spring  from  any  inherent  de- 
pravity in  their  natural  constitution,  but  from  their  unfortunate 
situation.  Social  intercourse  is  a  want  which  we  are  prompted 
to  gratify,  by  all  the  properties  of  our  nature.  And  as  they 
cannot  obtain  it  in  the  better  circles  of  society,  nor  always 
among  themselves,  they  resort  to  slaves  and  to  the  most  de- 
based and  worthless  of  the  whites.  Corruption,  and  all  the 
train  of  petty  offences,  are  the  consequences.  Proprietors  of 
slaves,  in  whose  neighbourhood  any  free  coloured  family  is  sit- 
uated, know  how  infectious  and  pernicious  this  intercourse  is. 
And  the  penal  records  of  the  tribunals,  especially  in  the  large 
cities,  bear  frightful  testimony  to  the  disproportionate  number 
of  crimes  committed  by  the  free  people  of  colour.  The  evil  of 
their  increase  in  those  cities  is  so  enormous,  as  to  call  loudly 
for  effective  remedy.  It  has  been  so  sensibly  felt  in  a  neigh- 
bouring city  (Cincinnati)  as  to  require,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
public  authorities,  the  enforcement  of  the  vigorous  measure 
of  expulsion  of  all  who  could  not  give  guaranties  of  their  good 
behaviour.  Their  congregation  in  our  great  capitals  has  given 
rise  to  a  new  crime,  perpetrated  by  unprincipled  whites,  and  of 
which  persons  of  that  unhappy  coloured  race  are  the  victims. 
A  New  York  paper,  of  the  27th  ultimo,  but  lately  fell  into  my 
hands,  in  which  I  found  the  following  articles:  'Beware  of 
kidnappers!  It  is  well  understood  that  there  is  at  present  in 
tills  city,  a  gang  of  kidnappers,  busily  engaged  in  their  voca- 
tion of  stealing  coloured  children  for  the  southern  market!  It 
is  believed  that  three  or  four  have  been  stolen  within  as  many 
days.  A  little  negro  boy  came  to  this  city  from  the  country, 
three  or  four  days  ago.  Some  strange  white  persons  were 
very  friendly  to  him,  and  yesterday  morning  he  was  mightily 
pleased  that  they  had  given  him  some  new  clothes.  And  the 
persons  pretending  thus  to  befriend  him,  entirely  secured  his 
confidence.  This  day  he  cannot  be  found.  Nor  can  he  be 
traced  since  seen  with  one  of  his  new  friends  yesterday.  There 
are  suspicions  of  a  foul  nature,  connected  with  some  who  serve 
the  police  in  subordinate  capacities.  It  is  hinted,  that  there 
may  be  those  in  some  authority,  not  altogether  ignorant  of 
these  diabolical  practices.  Let  the  public  be  on  their  guard.' 
To  which  the  editor  of  the  paper  from  which  this  quotation  is 
made,  appends  the  following  remarks:  'It  is  still  fresh  in  the 
memories  of  all,  that  a  cargo,  or  rather  drove  of  negroes,  was 


324  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

made  up  from  this  city  and  Philadelphia,  about  the  time  that 
the  emancipation  of  all  the  negroes  in  this  State  took  place, 
under  our  present  constitution,  and  were  taken  through  Vir- 
ginia, the  Carolinas,  and  Tennessee,  and  disposed  of  in  the 
state  of  Mississippi.  Some  of  those  who  were  taken  from 
Philadelphia,  were  persons  of  intelligence,  and  after  they  had 
been  driven  through  the  country  in  chains,  and  disposed  of  by 
sale  on  the  Mississippi,  wrote  back  to  their  friends  and  were 
rescued  from  bondage.  The  persons  who  were  guilty  of  this 
abominable  transaction  are  known,  and  now  reside  in  the  state 
of  North  Carolina,  and  very  probably  may  be  engaged  in  sim- 
ilar enterprises  at  the  present  time;  at  least,  there  is  reason  to 
believe,  that  the  system  of  kidnapping  free  persons  of  colour, 
from  the  Northern  cities,  has  been  carried  on  more  extensively 
than  the  public  are  generally  aware  of.' 

"  Whilst  the  concurrence  is  unanimous  as  to  the  propriety  of 
the  separation  of  the  free  coloured  race,  and  their  removal  to 
some  other  country,  if  it  be  practicable,  opinions  are  divided  as 
to  the  most  proper  place  of  their  destination.  Some  prefer 
Hayti,  others  to  set  apart  a  district  beyond  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains, within  the  limits  of  the  territory  of  the  United  States, 
whilst  much  the  larger  number  concur  in  the  superior  advan- 
tage of  the  plan  of  the  American  Colonization  Society.  The 
society  opposes  no  other  scheme.  All  other  projects,  if  they 
are  executed,  are  perfectly  compatible  with  its  own,  and  it 
wishes  them  full  success.  The  more  drains  the  better  for  this 
portion  of  our  population.  It  would  only  deprecate  the  result 
of  a  distraction  of  the  public  attention  amidst  a  variety  of  pro- 
posals, and  a  consequent  failure  to  concentrate  the  energies  of 
the  community  on  any  one  of  them. 

"Hayti  is  objectionable  as  the  sole  place  of  their  removal, 
on  various  accounts.  It  is  too  limited  in  its  extent.  Although 
a  large  island,  containing  considerable  quantities  of  unsettled 
land,  it  is  incompetent  as  an  asylum,  during  any  great  length 
of  time,  for  the  free  persons  of  colour  of  the  United  States.  It 
possesses  no  advantage,  either  in  the  salubrity  of  its  climate,  or 
the  fertility  of  its  soil  over  the  western  coast  of  Africa.  The 
productions  of  both  countries  are  nearly  the  same.  The  ex- 
pense of  transportation  to  the  one  or  to  the  other,  is  nearly  the 
same.  The  emigrants  would  be  in  a  state  of  dependence  on  the 
present  inhabitants  of  the  island,  who  have  more  intelligence  and 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  325 

have  made  greater  advances  in  civilization,  and  moreover  pos- 
sess all  the  power  of  the  government.  They  speak  a  different 
language.  It  should  not  be  the  policy  of  the  United  States,  when 
they  consider  the  predominant  power  of  the  island,  and  its  vi- 
cinity to  the  southern  States,  to  add  strength  to  it.  And  finally 
Hayti  is  destitute  of  some  of  those  high  moral  considerations 
which  belong  to  the  foundation  of  a  colony  in  Africa. 

"The  country  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  is  also  objec- 
tionable on  several  grounds.  The  expense  of  transportation 
of  emigrants  to  it,  whether  by  sea  or  inland,  would  be  incom- 
parably greater  than  to  Africa.  They  would  be  thrown  in  the 
midst  of  Indian  tribes,  to  whom  they  are  as  incongruous  as  with 
the  whites.  Bloody  and  exterminating  wars  would  be  the  cer- 
tain consequence;  and  the  United  States  would  be  bound  to 
incur  great  expense  in  defending  them  and  preserving  peace. 
Finally,  that  wave  of  the  European  race  which  rose  on  the 
borders  of  the  Atlantic,  swept  over  the  Alleghany  Mountains 
reached  the  Mississippi,  and  ascended  the  two  great  rivers 
which  unite  near  St.  Louis,  will  at  no  distant  day  pass  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  and  strike  the  Pacific,  where  it  would  again 
produce  that  very  contact  between  discordant  races  which  it  is 
so  desirable  to  avoid. 

"The  society  has  demonstrated  the  practicability  of  planting 
a  colony  on  the  shores  of  Africa.  Its  exertions  have  been  con- 
fined exclusively  to  the  free  coloured  people  of  the  United 
States,  and  to  those  of  them  who  are  willing  to  go.  It  has 
neither  purpose  nor  power  to  extend  them  to  the  larger  portion 
of  that  race  held  in  bondage.  Throughout  the  whole  period 
of  its  existence  this  disclaimer  has  been  made,  and  incontestable 
facts  estabhsh  its  truth  and  sincerity.  It  is  now  repeated,  in  its 
behalf,  that  the  spirit  of  misrepresentation  may  have  no  pretext 
for  abusing  the  public  ear.  But,  although  its  scheme  is  so  re- 
stricted, the  society  is  aware,  and  rejoices  that  the  principle  of 
African  colonization,  which  it  has  developed,  admits  of  wider 
scope  and  more  extensive  application,  by  those  states  and  pri- 
vate individuals,  who  may  have  the  power  and  the  inclination 
to  apply  it. 

"The  slave  population  of  the  United  States,  according  to  the 
last  returns  of  their  census,  as  was  shown  more  in  detail,  on 
another  occasion,  increased  in  a  ratio  of  about  forty-six  thou- 
sand per  annum.     It  may,  perhaps,  now  be  estimated  at  not 
28 


326  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

less  than  fifty  thousand.  It  was  said  on  that  occasion:  'Let  us 
suppose,  for  example,  that  the  whole  population  at  present  of 
the  United  States,  is  twelve  millions,  of  which  ten  may  be  esti- 
mated of  the  Anglo-Saxon,  and  two  of  the  African  race.  If 
there  could  be  annually  transported  from  the  United  States,  an 
amount  of  the  African  portion  equal  to  the  annual  increase  of 
the  whole  of  that  caste,  whilst  the  European  race  should  be  left 
to  multiply,  we  should  find,  at  the  termination  of  the  period  of 
duplication,  whatever  it  may  be,  that  the  relative  proportions 
would  be  as  twenty  to  two.  And  if  the  process  were  con- 
tinued, during  a  second  term  of  duplication,  the  population 
would  be  as  forty  to  two — one  which  would  eradicate  every 
cause  of  alarm  or  solicitude  from  the  breasts  of  the  most  timid. 
But  the  transportation  of  Africans,  by  creating,  to  the  extent  to 
which  it  might  be  carried,  a  vacuum  in  society,  would  tend  to 
accelerate  the  duplication  of  the  Europeon  race,  who,  by  all  the 
laws  of  population,  would  fill  up  the  void  space.'  To  trans- 
port to  Africa  fifty  thousand  persons,  would  cost  one  million  of 
dollars  upon  the  estimate  before  stated.  One  million  of  dollars 
applied  annually,  during  a  period  of  sixty  or  seventy  years, 
would,  at  the  end  of  it,  so  completely  drain  the  United  States 
of  all  that  portion  of  their  inhabitants,  as  not  to  leave  many 
more  than  those  few  who  are  objects  of  curiosity  in  the  coun- 
tries of  Europe.  And  is  that  sum,  one-tenth  part  of  what  the 
United  States  now  annually  appropriate,  as  a  sinking  fund, 
without  feeling  it,  and  which  will  soon  not  be  requisite  to  the 
extinction  of  the  national  debt,  capable  of  producing  any  suf- 
fering or  creating  any  impediment  in  the  execution  of  other 
great  social  objects  of  the  American  communities?  What  a 
vast  moral  debt  to  Africa,  to  the  world,  and  to  our  common 
God,  should  we  not  discharge  by  the  creation  of  a  new  sinking 
fund  of  such  a  paltry  sum? 

"This  estimate  does  not  comprehend  any  indemnity  to  the 
owners  of  slaves  for  their  value,  if  they  are  to  be  purchased 
for  the  purpose  of  colonization.  It  is  presumable  that  states 
or  individuals,  no  longer  restrained  from  the  execution  of 
their  benevolent  wish  to  contribute  their  endeavours  to  blot 
out  this  great  stain  upon  the  American  name,  by  the  con- 
sideration of  the  difficulty  of  a  suitable  provision  for  liberated 
slaves,  when  they  perceive  the  plan  of  colonization  in  suc- 
cessful operation,  will  voluntarily  manumit  many  for  the  pur- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  327 

pose  of  their  emigration.  One  of  the  latest  numbers  of  the 
National  Intelligencer,  states  the  fact,  that  a  recent  offer  has 
been  made  of  two  thousand  slaves  to  the  society,  to  be  sent  to 
Liberia,  which  the  want  of  funds  alone  prevents  its  accepting. 
If  the  reasoning  before  employed,  founded  upon  the  decline  in 
value  of  that  description  of  property,  be  correct,  many  will  be 
disposed,  to  emancipate  from  less  disinterested  motives.  From 
some,  or  all  of  these  sources,  and  from  the  free  coloured  popula- 
tion, an  amount  may  be  annually  obtained  for  the  purposes  of 
colonization,  equal  to  the  number  of  fifty-six  thousand  which 
has  been  supposed.  As  the  work  of  colonization  advances, 
the  ability  of  the  European  race  to  promote  it  will  increase, 
both  from  the  augmentation  of  its  numbers  and  of  its  wealth, 
and  the  relative  diminution  of  the  negro  race.  And,  in  the 
course  of  the  progress  of  its  execution,  it  will  not  be  found  a 
burthensome  appropriation  of  some  of  the  revenue  of  the  people 
of  the  United  States,  to  purchase  slaves,  if  colonists  can  not  other- 
wise be  obtained.  Meanwhile  it  affords  cause  of  the  sincerest 
gratification,  that  in  whatever  extent  the  scheme  of  African 
colonization  is  executed,  good  is  attained,  without  a  solitary 
attendant  evil. 

"  I  could  not  discuss  the  question  of  the  extent  of  the  respective 
powers  of  the  various  governments  of  this  Union,  without  en- 
larging this  address,  already  too  much  prolonged,  in  a  most 
unreasonable  degree.  That  the  aggregate  of  their  total  powers 
is  fully  adequate  to  the  execution  of  the  plan  of  colonization, 
in  its  greatest  extent,  is  incontestable.  How  those  powers 
have,  in  fact,  been  divided  and  distributed  between  the  General 
and  State  governments,  is  a  question  for  themselves  to  decide 
after  careful  investigation  and  full  deliberation.  We  may 
safely  assume  that  there  are  some  things  which  each  system 
is  competent  to  perform,  towards  the  accomplishment  of  the 
great  work.  The  General  Government  can  treat  with  foreign 
powers  for  the  security  of  the  colony,  and  with  the  Emperor 
of  Morocco,  or  other  African  Princes  or  States,  for  the  acqui- 
sition of  territory.  It  may  provide  in  the  colony  an  asylum  for 
natives  of  Africa  introduced  into  the  United  States,  in  contra- 
vention to  their  laws,  and  for  their  support  and  protection,  as 
it  has  done.  And  it  may  employ  portions  of  our  Navy,  whilst 
engaged  in  practising  to  acquire  the  needful  discipline  and  skill, 
or  in  proceeding  to  their  appointed  cruising  stations,  to  trans- 


328  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

port  emigrants  from  the  United  States  to  the  colony.  Can  a 
nobler  service,  in  time  of  peace,  be  performed  by  the  National 
flag  than  that  of  transporting  under  its  stars  and  stripes  to  the 
land  of  their  ancestors,  the  sons  of  injured  Africa,  there  to 
enjoy  the  blessings  of  our  pure  religion  and  a  real  liberty?  It 
can  employ  the  colony  as  the  best  and  most  efficacious  instru- 
ment of  suppressing  the  infamous  slave  trade. 

"Any  of  the  States  may  apply,  in  their  proper  spheres,  the 
powers  which  they  possess  and  the  means  at  their  command. 
They  may  remove  restraints  upon  emancipation,  imposed  from 
a  painful  conviction  that  slavery,  with  all  its  undisputed  ills, 
was  better  than  manumission  without  removal.  Such  of  them 
as  can,  safely  and  justly,  may  abolish  slavery  and  follow  the 
example  of  Pennsylvania,  New  York,  and  other  Stales.  Any 
of  them  can  contribute  some  pecuniary  aid  to  the  object.  And 
if  an  enlargement  of  the  constitutional  powers  of  the  General 
Government  be  necessary  and  expedient,  they  are  competent  to 
grant  it. 

"I  have  thus,  gentlemen,  presented  a  faint  and  imperfect 
sketch  of  what  was  contemplated  by  the  American  Coloniza- 
tion Society,  to  which  you  form  an  auxiliary,  of  what  it  has 
done,  and  of  what  the  principle  of  African  Colonization,  vvhich 
it  has  successfully  illustrated,  is  susceptible,  with  due  encou- 
ragement, and  adequate  means,  in  the  hands  of  competent 
authority.  We  ought  not  to  be  disheartened  by  the  little  which 
has  been  accomphshed,  in  the  brief  space  of  thirteen  years 
during  which  it  has  existed,  or  the  magnitude  and  difficulties  of 
the  splendid  undertaking  which  lies  before  us.  In  the  execu- 
tion of  those  vast  schemes  which  afi'ect  the  condition  and  happi- 
ness of  large  portions  of  the  habitable  globe,  time  is  necessary, 
which  may  appear  to  us  mortals  of  long  duration,  but  which  in 
the  eyes  of  Providence,  or  in  comparison  with  the  periods  of 
national  existence,  is  short  and  fleeting.  How  long  was  it 
after  Romulus  and  Remus  laid  the  scanty  foundations  of  their 
little  state  in  the  contracted  limits  of  the  peninsula  of  Italy, 
before  Imperial  Rome  burst  forth,  in  all  her  astonishing  splen- 
dour, the  acknowledged  mistress  of  the  world!  Ages  passed 
away  before  Carthage  and  other  colonies,  in  ancient  times, 
shone  out  in  all  their  commercial  and  military  glory.  Several 
centuries  have  now  elapsed  since  our  forefathers  first  began, 
in  the  morasses  of  James  river  and  on  the  Rock  of  Plymouth,  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  329 

work  of  founding  this  Republic,  yet  in  its  infancy.  Eighteen 
hundred  years  have  rolled  over  since  the  Son  of  God,  our  blessed 
Redeemer,  offered  himself,  on  Mount  Calvary,  a  voluntary 
sacrifice  for  the  salvation  of  our  species ;  and  more  than  half 
of  mankind  continue  to  deny  his  divine  mission  and  the  truth 
of  his  sacred  word. 

"We  may  boldly  challenge  the  annals  of  human  nature  for 
the  record  of  any  human  plan,  for  the  melioration  of  the  con- 
dition or  advancement  of  the  happiness  of  our  race,  which 
promised  more  unmixed  good,  or  more  comprehensive  benefi- 
cence, than  that  of  African  colonization,  if  carried  into  fall 
execution.  Its  benevolent  purpose  is  not  limited  by  the  con- 
fines of  one  continent,  nor  to  the  prosperity  of  a  solitary  race, 
but  embraces  two  of  the  largest  quarters  of  the  earth,  and  the 
peace  and  happiness  of  both  of  the  descriptions  of  their  present 
inhabitants,  with  the  countless  millions  of  their  posterity  who 
are  to  succeed.  It  appeals  for  aid  and  support  to  the  friends  of 
liberty  here  and  every  where.  The  colonists,  reared  in  the  bosom 
of  this  republic,  with  a  perfect  knowledge  of  all  the  blessings 
which  freedom  imparts,  although  they  have  not  always  been 
able  themselves  to  share  them,  will  carry  a  recollection  of  it  to 
Africa,  plant  it  there,  and  spread  it  over  her  boundless  territory. 
And  may  we  not  indulge  the  hope,  that  in  a  period  of  time  not 
surpassing  in  duration  that  of  our  own  colonial  and  national 
existence,  we  shall  behold  a  confederation  of  republican  States, 
on  the  western  shores  of  Africa,  like  our  own,  with  their  Con- 
gress and  annual  Legislatures  thundering  forth  in  behalf  of  the 
rights  of  man,  and  making  tyrants  tremble  on  their  thrones? 
It  appeals  for  aid  and  support  to  the  friends  of  civilization 
throughout  the  world.  Africa,  although  a  portion  of  it  was 
among  the  first  to  emerge  from  barbarism,  is  now  greatly  in 
the  rear  of  all  the  continents,  in  knowledge,  and  in  the  arts  and 
sciences.  America  owes  to  the  old  world  a  debt  of  gratitude 
for  the  possession  of  them.  Can  she  discharge  it  in  any  more 
suitable  manner,  than  that  of  transplanting  them  on  a  part  of 
its  own  soil,  by  means  of  its  own  sons,  whose  ancestors  were 
torn  by  fraud  and  violence  from  their  native  home,  and  thrown 
here  into  bondage?  It  powerfully  appeals  for  support  to  pa- 
triotism and  humanity.  If  we  were  to  invoke  the  greatest 
blessing  on  earth,  which  Heaven,  in  its  mercy,  could  now  be- 
stow on  this  nation,  it  would  be  the  separation  of  the  two  most 
28* 


330  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

numerous  races  of  its  population,  and  their  comfortable  estab- 
lishment in  distinct  and  distant  countries.  To  saynothing  of 
the  greatest  difficulty  in  the  formation  of  our  present  happy- 
Constitution,  which  arose  out  of  this  mixed  condition  of  our 
people,  nothing  of  the  distracting  Missouri  question,  which  was 
so  threatening;  nothing  of  others,  springing  from  the  same 
fruitful  source,  which  yet  agitate  us,  who  can  contemplate  the 
future  without  the  most  awful  apprehensions?  Who,  if  this 
promiscuous  residence  of  whites  and  blacks,  of  freemen  and 
slaves,  is  for  ever  to  continue,  can  imagine  the  servile  wars, 
the  carnage  and  the  crimes,  which  will  be  its  probable  conse- 
quences, without  shuddering  with  horror?  It  finally  appeals 
emphatically  for  aid  and  support  to  the  reverend  clergy,  and 
sincere  professors  of  our  holy  religion.  If  the  project  did  not 
look  beyond  the  happiness  of  the  two  races  now  in  America,  it 
would  be  entitled  to  their  warmest  encouragement.  If  it  were 
confined  to  the  removal  only  of  the  free  coloured  population,  it 
would  deserve  all  their  patronage.  Within  those  restrictions, 
how  greatly  would  it  not  contribute  to  promote  the  cause  of 
virtue  and  morality,  and  consequently  religion !  But  it  presents 
a  much  more  extensive  field — a  field  only  limited  by  the  con- 
fines of  one  of  the  largest  quarters  of  the  habitable  globe — for 
religious  and  benevolent  exertion.  Throughout  the  entire  ex- 
istence of  Christianity,  it  has  been  a  favourite  object  of  its  ar- 
dent disciples  and  pious  professors,  to  diffuse  its  blessings  by 
converting  the  heathen.  This  duty  is  enjoined  by  its  own  sa- 
cred precepts,  and  prompted  by  considerations  of  humanity. 
All  Christendom  is  more  or  less  employed  on  this  object,  at  this 
moment,  in  some  part  or  other  of  the  earth.  But  it  must,  in 
candour,  be  owned,  that  hitherto,  missionary  efforts  have  not 
had  a  success  corresponding,  in  extent,  with  the  piety  and  be- 
nevolence of  their  aim,  or  with  the  amount  of  the  means  which 
have  been  applied.  Some  new  and  more  efficacious  mode  of 
accomplishing  the  beneficent  purpose  must  be  devised,  which 
by  concentrating  energies  and  endeavours,  and  avoiding  loss  in 
their  diffuse  and  uncombined  application,  shall  ensure  the  at- 
tainment of  more  cheering  results.  The  American  Colonization 
Society  presents  itself  to  the  religious  world,  as  uniting  those 
great  advantages.  Almost  all  Africa  is  in  a  state  of  the  deepest 
ignorance  and  barbarism,  and  addicted  to  idolatry  and  super- 
stition.    It  is  destitute  of  the  blessings  both  of  Christianity  and 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  331 

civilization.  The  societj''  is  an  instrument,  which,  under  the 
guidance  of  Providence,  with  pubHc  assistance,  is  competent  to 
spread  the  Ughts  of  both,  throughout  its  vast  dominions.  And 
the  means  are  as  simple  as  the  end  is  grand  and  magnificent. 
They  are  to  deviate  from  the  practice  of  previous  missionary 
institutions,  and  employ  as  agents  some  of  the  very  brethren  of 
the  heathen  sought  to  be  converted,  and  brought  within  the  pale 
of  civilization.  The  society  proposes  to  send,  not  one  or  two 
pious  members  of  Christianity  into  a  foreign  land,  among 
a  different,  and  perhaps  a  suspicious  race,  of  another  com- 
plexion, but  to  transport  annually,  for  an  indefinite  number  of 
years,  in  one  view  of  its  scheme,  six  thousand,  in  another,  fifty- 
six  thousand  missionaries,  of  the  descendants  of  Africa  itself, 
with  the  same  interests,  sympathies,  and  constitutions  of  the 
natives,  to  communicate  the  benefits  of  our  religion  and  of  the 
arts.  And  this  colony  of  missionaries  is  to  operate,  not  alone 
by  preaching  the  doctrines  of  truth  and  of  revelation,  which, 
however  delightful  to  the  ears  of  the  faithful  and  intelligent, 
are  not  always  comprehended  by  untutored  savages,  but  also 
by  works  of  ocular  demonstration.  It  will  open  forests,  build 
towns,  erect  temples  of  public  worship,  and  practically  exhibit 
to  the  native  sons  of  Africa,  the  beautiful  moral  spectacle,  and 
the  superior  advantages,  of  our  religious  and  social  systems. 
In  this  unexaggerated  view  of  the  subject,  the  colony,  compared 
with  other  missionary  plans,  presents  the  force  and  grandeur  of 
a  noble  steamer  majestically  ascending,  and  with  ease  subdu- 
ing, the  current  of  the  Mississippi,  in  comparison  with  the 
feeble  and  tottering  canoe,  moving  slowly  among  the  reeds 
that  fringe  its  shores.  It  holds  up  the  image  of  the  resistless 
power  of  the  Mississippi  itself,  rushing  from  the  summits  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  and  marking  its  deep  and  broad  and  rapid 
course  through  the  heart  of  this  continent,  thousands  of  miles, 
to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  in  comparison  with  that  of  an  obscure 
rivulet,  winding  its  undiscernible  way  through  dark  and  dense 
forests  or  luxuriant  prairies,  in  which  it  is  quickly  and  for  ever 
lost. 

"  Gentlemen  of  the  Colonization  Society  of  Kentucky  !  not 
one  word  need  be  added,  in  conclusion,  to  animate  your  perse- 
verance, or  to  stimulate  your  labours,  in  the  humane  cause 
which  you  have  deliberately  espoused.  We  have  reason  to 
believe  that  we  have  been  hitherto  favoured,  and  shall  continue 


3  32  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

to  be  blessed,  with  the  smiles  of  Providence.  Confiding  in  his 
approving  judgment,  and  conscious  of  the  benevolence  and 
purity  of  our  intentions,  we  may  fearlessly  advance  in  our 
great  work.  And,  when  we  shall,  as  soon  we  must,  be  trans- 
lated from  this  into  another  form  of  existence,  is  the  hope  pre- 
sumptuous that  we  shall  there  behold  the  common  Father  of 
whites  and  of  blacks,  the  great  Ruler  of  the  Universe,  cast  his 
all-seeing  eye  upon  civilized  and  regenerated  Africa,  its  culti- 
vated fields,  its  coast  studded  with  numerous  cities,  adorned 
with  towering  temples,  dedicated  to  the  pure  religion  of  his 
redeeming  Son,  its  far-famed  Niger,  and  other  great  rivers, 
lined  with  flourishing  villages,  and  navigated  with  that  won- 
derful power,  which  American  genius  first  successfully  applied; 
and  that  after  dwelling  with  satisfaction  upon  the  glorious 
spectacle,  he  will  deign  to  look  with  approbation  upon  us,  his 
humble  instruments,  who  have  contributed  to  produce  it?" 

The  friends  of  colonization  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  had 
already  manifested  their  zeal  and  liberality,  by  chartering  the 
brig  Liberia,  at  their  own  expense;  and  at  a  meeting  held  at 
the  Franklin  Institute,  a  subscription  was  taken  up,  to  the 
amount  of  two  thousand  two  hundred  and  ninety-six  dollars,  of 
which  sum  a  single  individual  gave  one  thousand  dollars. 

The  Board,  at  Washington,  being  very  desirous  to  send  out 
those  enfranchised  slaves,  who  had  come  on  from  Georgia,  with 
some  others;  but  not  having  the  funds  necessary,  applied  to  the 
Pennsylvania  Society  to  assume  the  charge  of  sending  them 
out,  as  they  had  done  the  former  emigrants.  To  this  proposal 
they  readily  agreed,  relying  on  the  liberality  of  their  fellow  citi- 
zens, to  enable  them  to  accomplish  the  undertaking. 

The  opposition  to  the  American  Colonization  Society,  now 
became,  every  day,  more  inveterate;  and  the  prejudices  infused 
into  the  minds  of  most  of  the  free  people  of  colour,  were  deep 
and  extensive.  The  same  opposition,  however,  did  not  mani- 
fest itself  towards  colonization  in  Canada,  or  at  Hayti.  The 
laws  of  Ohio  having  rendered  the  situation  of  a  large  part  of 
the  coloured  population  of  that  State  uneasy,  by  greatly  curtail- 
ing their  privileges,  after  inquiry,  a  number  of  them  resolved  to 
emigrate  to  Upper  Canada.  This  region  was  too  far  north  for 
the  comfort  of  the  African  race.  They  went,  however,  by  the 
permission  of  the  government  of  the  upper  colony,  and  settled 
a  town,  which  they  named  Wilberforce,  in  honour  of  that  dis- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  533 

tinguised  and  eloquent  friend  of  the  African  race.  But  political 
difficulties  met  these  unhappy  people  here  as  well  as  in  Ohio: 
for  when  the  Assembly  of  Upper  Canada  met,  they  passed  a 
string  of  resolutions,  disapproving  of  the  whole  plan  of  intro- 
ducing such  settlers  into  the  colony;  and  it  was  agreed  to  send 
an  humble  address  to  his  Majesty's  government  at  home,  com- 
plaining of  this  thing. 

About  this  time,  the  zeal  of  the  abolitionists  had  become  ex- 
ceedingly warm,  and  great  excitement  was  produced,  both  at 
the  north  and  the  south,  by  the  publication  of  inflammatory 
pamphlets,  containing  highly  coloured  descriptions  of  the  cruel- 
ty exercised  towards  the  slaves  in  the  southern  States;  and  cari- 
catures, in  the  form  of  prints  were  prepared,  calculated  to  make 
a  strong  impression  on  the  imagination  of  the  people.  A  pam- 
phlet was  printed  in  Boston,  written  by  one  Mr.  Walker,  which 
actually  aimed  to  excite  the  slaves  to  insurrection,  and  did  not 
hesitate  to  exhort  them  to  take  vengeance  on  their  owners,  by 
imbruing  their  hands  in  their  blood.  Copies  of  these  pamphlets 
were  sent  by  mail  and  otherwise,  into  the  southern  country, 
where  they  produced  both  alarm  and  indignation.  Severe  laws 
were  soon  passed  against  the  circulation  of  such  books  and 
prints;  and  persons  found  in  possession  of  these  incendiary  pub- 
lications were  treated  very  harshly,  and  without  much  regard 
to  the  regular  forms  of  law. 

The  Hon.  C.  F.  Mercer  brought  in  a  report,  on  the  memorial 
addressed  to  Congress  by  the  Managers  of  the  Colonization 
Society,  in  which  a  survey  is  taken  of  the  commencement  and 
progress  of  this  cause,  and  weighty  considerations  brought  to 
view,  to  induce  Congress,  in  every  suitable  way,  to  aid  the 
cause  of  African  colonization.  But  this  report  was  made  so 
late  ill  the  session,  that  it  was  feared  that  Congress  would  not 
act  on  the  subject. 

About  this  time  an  institution  was  formed  in  the  city  of 
Washington,  which  seemed  to  promise  much  benefit  to  the 
colonization  scheme.  It  was  an  "  African  Education  Society." 
A  school  for  the  improvement  in  learning  of  the  youth  of  the 
coloured  population,  had  existed  for  some  years  at  Parsippany, 
New  Jersey,  under  the  special  patronage  of  the  Synods  of  New 
York  and  New  Jersey.  The  Episcopal  church  had  also  formed 
"The  African  Mission  School  Society,"  under  the  direction  of  the 
Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  that  church,  which 


334  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

was  considered  as  very  auspicious  to  the  hopes  of  African  im- 
provement. But,  as  neither  of  these  societies  and  schools  had 
attracted  much  of  the  pubUc  attention,  it  was  deemed  expedient 
to  set  on  foot  another  institution  to  prepare  young  men  of  colour 
for  usefulness  in  Africa.  This  had  never  been  made  the  distinct 
object  of  the  other  societies.  Educated  young  men -of  colour 
were  also  greatly  needed  in  the  colony ;  this,  therefore,  seemed 
to  be  an  enterprise  of  much  promise,  and  to  which  no  serious  ob- 
stacle was  anticipated.  It  was  declared  to  be  the  exclusive  ob- 
ject of  the  society  now  formed,  "to  afford  to  persons  of  colour, 
destined  to  Africa,  such  an  education  in  letters,  agriculture,  and 
the  mechanic  arts,  as  may  best  qualify  them  for  usefulness  and 
influence  in  Africa."  The  Board  of  this  society  published  a  very 
able  address  to  the  public,  which  may  be  seen  m  the  sixth 
volume  of  the  African  Repository. 

The  Board  received  the  agreeable  intelligence,  by  the  return 
of  the  Liberia,  of  the  safe  arrival  of  the  emigrants,  together 
with  Dr.  Anderson  and  the  Swiss  missionaries,  in  good  health. 
These  emigrants  Dr.  Mechlin  located  at  Caldwell,  and  wrote  to 
the  Board  that  they  appeared  to  be  perfectly  well  satisfied  with 
their  situation  and  prospects.  He  mentioned,  also,  the  arrival 
of  the  British  brig  Heroine,  from  Barbadoes,  having  on  board 
ninety-one  recaptured  Africans,  under  the  charge  of  A.  H. 
Mechlin,  agent  for  their  transportation,  and  Dr.  Smith,  of  the 
United  States  Navy.  It  was  nearly  five  months  from  the  time 
of  their  sailing  from  the  United  States,  before  they  arrived  at 
Monrovia.  After  being  at  sea  eighty-nine  days,  through  the 
ignorance  of  the  captain,  they  were  at  last  obliged  to  put  into 
Carlisle  Bay,  Barbadoes,  where,  after  a  survey  of  the  vessel, 
named  Washington's  Barge,  she  was  found  unfit  to  prose- 
cute the  voyage,  and  they  were  obliged  to  charter  another. 
The  number  of  recaptured  Africans,  when  they  left  Florida, 
was  one  hundred,  but  nine  died  on  the  passage,  leaving  but 
ninety-one  when  she  arrived. 

The  growing  influence  of  the  colony  on  the  natives  in  the 
vicinity,  was  remarkably  manifested  in  the  following  case  re- 
ported to  the  Board  by  Dr.  Mechlin :  "  King  Peter,  of  Bushrod 
Island,  who  died  about  the  eighth  of  September  last,  had  a 
head-man,  who  established  himself  at  the  St.  Paul's,  assuming 
the  title  of  King  Long  Peter.  He  has  recently  removed  to  the 
town  of  the  deceased,  and  placed  himself  under  the  laws  and 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  335 

protection  of  the  colony.  A  deputation  was  sent  down  to  in- 
form me  of  the  fact,  and  receive  my  orders  respecting  their 
future  disposal.  They  were  informed,  that  hereafter,  they 
would  be  subject  to  our  laws,  and  that  King  Long  Peter  should 
lay  aside  the  title  of  king,  and  receive  that  of  head-man  from 
me;  that  they  must  now  consider  themselves  as  Americans, 
and  entirely  independent  of  the  neighbouring  tribes,  who  should 
not  molest  them;  and  all  their  grievances  must  be  stated 
through  their  head-man  to  me,  for  my  decision.  When  this 
determination  was  known  to  them,  it  was  received  with  shouts 
of  joy,  and  they  could  scarcely  be  restrained  from  coming  down 
in  a  body,  and  visiting  us,  although  it  was  then  late  in  the 
afternoon.  The  advantages  to  be  derived  from  this  arrange- 
ment, they  are  well  aware  of.  They  are  at  once  freed  from  all 
the  oppressive  laws  and  customs  of  the  surrounding  native  tribes, 
and  know  that  they  cannot  be  sold  into  slavery,  as  they  were 
before  at  any  moment  liable  to,  on  account  of  some  frivolous 
dispute  or  palaver,  got  up  for  the  purpose  by  the  head-men, 
whenever  they  want  a  supply  of  money.  They  will  also  be 
secured  from  the  hostile  incursions  of  other  tribes ;  for  such  is 
the  terror  we  have  inspired,  that  they  will  not  molest  any  be- 
longing to  the  colony.  Most  of  the  petty  kings  in  our  vicinity 
would  gladly  come  into  the  same  arrangement,  were  it  advisa- 
ble at  present  to  receive  them;  but  we  could  not  atford  them 
the  same  protection,  on  account  of  their  remote  situation." 

The  account  of  a  visit  to  Caldwell,  by  the  agent,  at  this  time, 
will  furnish  the  reader  with  some  idea  of  that  delightful  village. 
"  A  short  time  since,  I  paid  a  visit  to  Caldwell,  for  the  purpose 
of  inspecting  the  state  of  the  settlement,  and  must  confess  the 
result  was  highly  gratifying.  The  greatest  neatness  and  regu- 
larity prevail  throughout,  as  you  are  already  aware.  It  is 
beautifully  situated,  at  the  junction  of  the  St.  Paul's  and  Stock- 
ton rivers,  and  consists  of  one  street,  about  a  mile  and  a  half 
long,  kept  very  clean,  and  planted  on  either  side  with  rows  of 
plantains  and  bananas.  Between  this  and  the  water,  there  is 
an  open  space,  not  only  very  ornamental,  but  contributing 
much  to  the  health  of  the  place." 

Considerable  labour  was  laid  out  by  the  colonists,  very  judi- 
ciously, in  making  roads  to  particular  points  in  the  interior. 
By  this  means,  trade  with  the  natives  at  a  distance  would  be 
greatly  promoted.   Dr.  Mechlin,  in  speaking  of  this  intercourse, 


336  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

remarks:  "I  find  that  our  colony  is  becoming  more  known  in 
the  interior,  from  the  increased  number  of  the  Mandingoes 
who  resort  to  us.  These  people  form  the  connecting  link,  or 
medium  of  communication,  between  the  interior  tribes  and 
those  inhabiting  the  sea  coast.  They  are  almost  exclusively 
devoted  to  trade,  and  evince  great  shrewdness  in  all  their  mer- 
cantile transactions;  and  it  is  almost  impossible  to  get  the  ad- 
vantage of  them  in  making  a  bargain.  When  they  arrive  in 
town,  they  call  on  a  merchant,  inquire  the  price  of  his  goods, 
perhaps  display  some  gold,  to  make  him  eager  to  trade,  and  so 
manage  it,  as  to  induce  him  to  believe  they  intend  to  do  busi- 
ness solely  with  him;  but  before  they  come  to  any  conclusion, 
wjU  visit  every  dealer  in  town,  and  then,  perhaps,  return  to  the 
first,  and  before  they  have  done,  get  his  goods  at  least  ten  per 
cent,  cheaper  than  they  could  be  obtained  elsewhere;  and 
probably  an  equal  amount  on  credit;  so  that,  when  he  comes 
to  reflect  a  little,  he  finds  himself  a  loser  instead  of  a  gainer  by 
the  transaction." — "  They  are  all  Mahomedans,  and  are  very 
zealous  in  gaining  proselytes,  and  have  succeeded  to  a  great 
extent,  in  propagating  their  faith  among  the  natives  on  the 
windward  coast,  from  Cape  Mount  to  the  rivers  Pongas  and 
Nunez.  Go  where  they  will,  their  persons  are  respected  and  their 
influence  very  great.  This  arises  from  their  being  almost  the 
only  people  that  make  amulets  or  fetiches  for  the  more  igno- 
rant, which  is  of  itself  of  considerable  profit,  as  those  fetiches 
are  held  in  great  estimation,  from  the  fact  of  the  maker's  being 
able  to  write  Arabic,  or,  as  the  natives  say,  'make  book.' 
They  excel  most  of  the  natives  in  various  manufactures,  par- 
ticularly in  the  preparation  of  leather,  some  of  which  would  do 
credit  to  any  country.  They  are  also  excellent  workers  in  iron 
and  other  metals." 

It  was  during  this  year,  (1830),  that  a  printing  press  was  set 
up  in  Monrovia.  Mr.  Russwurm,  who  had  received  a  liberal 
education,  as  we  before  stated,  and  had  been  concerned  in  edit- 
ing a  paper  in  New  York  city,  having  arrived  in  Liberia,  was 
immediately  engaged  to  undertake  to  publish  "The  Liberia 
Herald,"  which  has  been  continued  ever  since,  and  is  a  truly 
respectable  paper,  both  as  it  relates  to  its  contents,  and  the 
typographical  execution. 

The  Montgomery,  chartered  by  the  liberality  of  the  friends 
of  African  colonization  in  Philadelphia,  sailed  from  Hampton 


HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  337 

Roads,  in  April,  1830.  She  took  out  the  thirty  slaves  manumit- 
ted by  Joel  Early,  of  Georgia ;  six  by  F.  S.  Anderson,  of  Hagers- 
town,  Maryland;  six  by  Dr.  Tilden,  of  Newtown,  Virginia; 
three  by  Mr.  Prettow,  of  Southampton,  Virginia;  five  by  G. 
W.  Holcomb,  of  Lynchburg,  Virginia,  and  several  others;  in  all 
making  sixty-four  emancipated  persons:  the  rest  were  free  be- 
fore. Twelve  of  the  emigrants  were  from  near  Lynchburg,  and 
three  from  Norfolk,  Virginia.  This  company  was  represented 
as  being  generally  sober  and  industrious  farmers  and  labour- 
ers, many  of  them  pious,  and  among  them  two  respectable 
preachers,  one  of  the  Methodist  and  the  other  of  the  Baptist 
church. 

The  good  people  of  Philadelphia  not  only  assumed  the  whole 
expense  of  transporting  these  people  to  Africa,  but  raised  a 
considerable  fund  to  be  applied  to  the  removal  of  any  coloured 
emigrants,  whom  it  might  be  judged  expedient  to  send  to  Li- 
beria. 

Dr.  Mechlin,  the  colonial  agent,  returned  in  the  month  of 
May,  and  found  his  health  nearly  restored  by  the  voyage.  His 
account  of  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the  colony  were  truly 
interesting  and  animating. 

The  interests  of  the  Colonization  Society  were  essentially 
benefitted  by  the  agency  of  the  Rev.  H.  B.  Bascom,  of  the 
JNIethodist  Episcopal  church,  in  the  western  States.  In  his  re- 
port to  the  Board,  he  says,  "  I  have  formed  nineteen  auxiliary 
societies,  and  have  probably  addressed  above  seventy  thousand 
persons."  Mr.  Bascom's  efficiency,  as  an  agent,  was  also  evinced 
by  his  success  in  collecting  funds  for  the  society. 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  this 
year,  passed  a  resolution,  with  only  four  dissenting  voices,  re- 
commending to  all  the  ministers  to  take  up  collections  for  the 
Colonization  Society  on  or  about  the  fourth  of  July. 

The  colonization  cause  met  with  a  serious  loss,  this  year,  in 
the  premature  death  of  William  Henry  Fitzhugh,  of  Ravens- 
worth,  Virginia.  This  young  gentleman,  born  in  1792,  and 
educated  at  Nassau  Hall,  New  Jersey,  became  one  of  the  most 
zealous,  as  he  was  one  of  the  most  enlightened  advocates  of 
African  colonization.  His  character  is  thus  drawn  by  a  writer 
in  the  African  Repository.  "  Mr.  Fitzhugh  was  no  ordinary 
man.  His  highly  gifted,  and  well  balanced  mind,  improved 
and  polished  by  the  best  education,  by  self-discipline,  and  by 
29 


338  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION". 

constant  intercourse  with  cultivated  and  refined  society,  con- 
trolled by  sentiments,  just,  honourable,  magnanimous,  rendered 
him  a  model  of  the  virtues  most  admired  in  public  and  private 
life. 

"The  talents,  the  fortune,  and  the  character  of  Mr.  Fitzhugh 
eminently  prepared  him  for  public  usefulness,  and  as  a  member 
of  the  House  of  Delegates,  of  the  Senate,  and  recently  of  the 
convention  of  his  native  State,  he  fulfilled  the  highest  expecta- 
tions of  his  friends,  and  stood  acknowledged  by  all,  an  able, 
honourable,  and  eloquent  statesman. 

"  He  was  a  philanthropist,  and  felt  that  human  beings,  what- 
ever might  be  their  country,  circumstances,  or  complexion, 
were  related  to  him  by  the  ties  of  a  common  nature,  and  must 
not  be  excluded  from  his  regards.  In  the  decease  of  Mr.  Fitz- 
hugh the  Colonization  Society  mourns  the  loss  of  one  who  has 
left  behind  him  enduring  evidence  of  his  early,  steadfast,  and 
efficient  efforts  in  furthering  its  great  design.  .  .  .  The  mind  of 
Mr.  Fitzhugh  was  too  candid,  comprehensive,  and  benevolent, 
to  remain  insensible  of  those  considerations,  political,  moral, 
and  religious,  which  invest  the  objects  of  our  institution  with 
such  immediate  interest,  and  importance.  From  its  very  origin 
his  countenance  and  support  were  given  to  the  society,  and  in 
1820  he  was  elected  a  vice-president.  He  was  not  to  be  dis- 
couraged by  the  calamitous  events  of  its  early  history;  nor  yet 
by  the  violent  and  opposing  currents  of  public  opinion." 

About  the  end  of  May,  this  year,  there  was  an  opportunity 
of  examining  Mr.  Francis  Devany,  the  high-sheriff  of  the 
colony  of  Liberia,  who  was  on  a  visit  to  this  country.  The 
committee  of  Congress,  to  whom  the  memorial  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society  had  been  referred,  of  which  Mr.  Mercer 
was  chairman,  met  in  the  capitol,on  the  20th  of  May.  Several 
senators,  and  members  of  the  House  of  Representatives  attend- 
ed, to  hear  the  replies  of  Mr.  Devany,  to  the  questions  which 
might  be  asked.  The  examination  was  also  continued  in  the 
evening,  when  a  much  larger  number  of  members  attended; 
and  the  questions  and  answers  were  carefully  taken  down  by 
Mr.  Stansbury,  the  reporter  to  the  House. 

Before  giving  a  summary  of  the  information  received  from 
this  person,  it  may  be  well  to  mention,  that  he  was  born  in 
South  Carolina,  a  slave,  the  property  of  Langdon  Cheves,  Esq., 
formerly  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives;  that  after 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  339 

obtaining  his  freedom,  he  practised  the  trade  of  a  sailraaker,  in 
the  employment  of  Mr.  Forten,  a  respectable  and  wealthy  man 
of  colour  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia:  that  more  than  seven 
years  before  this  time,  he  emigrated  to  Liberia,  where  having 
acquired  a  little  money,  he  engaged  in  trade,  in  which  he  was 
so  successful,  that  in  six  years  he  amassed  property  valued  at 
fifteen  or  twenty  thousand  dollars.  The  brig  Liberia,  in  which 
he  came  to  the  United  States,  brought  m  a  cargo  worth  twenty 
thousand  dollars. 

Mr.Devany,  in  answer  to  the  questions  put  to  him  by  Messrs. 
Mercer,  Spencer,  and  others,  made  the  following  statements. 
"  That  the  colony  experienced  great  inconvenience  for  the  want 
of  a  national  flag:  several  vessels  are  owned  by  the  colonists — 
he  himself  owns  one  which  cost  one  thousand  dollars:  and  an- 
other person  paid  six  thousand  dollars  for  a  vessel ;  but  these 
and  many  other  vessels  are  laid  up  and  going  to  decay,  for  want 
of  a  flag.  The  persons  of  whom  they  are  afraid,  are  the  pirates. 
The  English  and  French  vessels  have  treated  them  kindly. 
The  pirates  consist  mostly  of  Spaniards,  some  of  whom  sail  in 
American  vessels.  The  colony  has  six  volunteer  companies, 
in  uniform,  besides  militia,  amounting  in  all  to  above  five 
hundred  men.  The  colony  has  not  been  attacked  since  Mr. 
Devany  lived  there;  owing  to  the  strength  of  their  defences. 
They  have  a  stone  fort  called  Stockton,  which  was  repaired  by 
the  late  Dr.  Randall,  and  is  about  two-thirds  finished.  It  is  of 
stone  and  ten  feet  high,  but  the  platforms  of  the  guns  are  not 
yet  finished.  The  stone  used  in  this  fort,  and  which  is  com- 
monly used  in  building  houses,  is  a  blue  granite,  very  hard  and 
solid.  They  have  another  species  of  stone,  much  softer,  and 
impregnated  with  iron.  The  latter  is  employed  in  Sierra  Leone, 
almost  exclusively;  but  in  Monrovia  it  is  used  for  window-sills 
and  chimney-pieces.  Lime  in  abundance,  they  get  from  the 
shells  on  the  Junk  river.  It  is  of  the  best  quality,  and  makes 
good,  hard,  finished  walls.  Wood  being  plenty,  they  have  all 
the  building  materials  they  can  desire,  with  the  exception  of 
iron.  The  harbour  is  counted  the  best  on  the  coast,  and  is  sel- 
dom without  vessels.  There  are  nine  feet  water  on  the  bar, 
and  from  twelve  to  sixteen  inside  of  it. 

"The  prevaiUng  morals  of  the  colony  are  good.  Witnessed 
but  one  fight  since  his  residence  in  Liberia,  and  that  was  a 
poUtical  quarrel  between  one  of  the  colonists  and  a  citizen  of 


340  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Sierra  Leone,  who  spoke  disparagingly  of  the  American  colony. 
No  instance  of  a  capital  crime  had  yet  occurred.  Where  the 
laws  of  the  colony  are  silent,  they  resort  to  those  of  the  United 
States.  The  courts,  when  sitting,  are  well  attended.  Witness- 
es are  brought  up  by  a  process  of  subpoena,  as  in  the  United 
States.  Two  persons  only  are  addicted  to  intemperance,  but 
it  is  not  habitual.  There  are  three  churches,  frame  buildings, 
one  of  which  has  a  steeple.  One  belongs  to  the  Methodists, 
one  to  the  Baptists,  and  one,  not  yet  finished,  to  the  Presby- 
terians. Divine  service  is  attended  three  times  on  the  Sabbath, 
and  also  on  Tuesday  and  Thursday  evenings.  The  Sunday 
schools  are  attended  by  many  of  the  native  children.  All  who 
can  be  decently  clad  are  in  the  habit  of  attending.  The  natives 
in  the  colony  are  adopting  our  modes  of  dress.  Formerly  their 
females  were  very  partially  covered,  but  now,  when  in  their 
native  costume,  they  will  not  come  publicly  into  the  town.  No 
dancing  is  practised;  the  religious  part  of  the  community  have 
prevailed  in  discouraging  it.  Several  of  the  neighbouring  tribes 
have  voluntarily  put  themselves  under  the  protection  of  the 
colony. 

"  A  very  active  trade  is  carried  on  at  Monrovia.  A  colonist 
by  the  name  of  Waring,  will  have  sold  goods  this  year  to  the 
amount  of  seventy  thousand  dollars.  Mr.  Devany's  own  sales 
are  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  thousand  dollars.  Coffee  is 
very  abundant  in  the  higher  and  more  rocky  grounds ;  on  sandy 
soil,  it  is  not  so  plenty.  The  produce  of  the  plants  is  very  vari- 
ous :  from  some  trees,  enough  may  be  gathered  to  fill  a  pocket 
handkerchief  of  the  largest  size,  while  others  will  not  yield 
more  than  half  a  pound.  It  resembles  the  coffee  of  Java, 
being  white,  and  of  large  grain.  The  colony,  as  yet,  had  not 
made  coffee  an  article  of  export;  they  gather,  however,  enough 
for  their  own  consumption.  They  export  dye-woods,  hides, 
ivory,  palm-oil,  and  rice.  Provisions  are  plenty,  and  in  order 
to  keep  the  native  trade,  they  are  sometimes  taken  in  greater 
quantity  than  they  are  needed.  The  traders  refuse  none  that 
are  brought  to  them.  The  colonists  in  general,  are  well  satisfied 
with  their  situation.  The  exceptions  are  very  few,  and  consist 
of  some  old  women,  and  persons  of  weak  capacity,  such  as  the 
colonists  would  be  glad  to  get  rid  of.  One  or  two,  however, 
have  been  so  dissatisfied  as  to  remove  :  one  in  particular,  came 
over  in  the  same  vessel  with  himself. 


HISTORY   OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  341 

"The  health  of  the  colony  is,  in  general,  good.  From  ten 
days  to  six  weeks  after  arrival,  strangers  are  liable  to  attacks  of 
ague  and  fever,  but  after  that  time  they  are  generally  healthy. 

Mr.  Devany  said  "that  he  had  travelled  up  the  St.  Paul's 
river  till  he  came  to  a  series  of  falls,  extending  ten  or  twelve 
miles,  in  which  space  the  water  often  falls,  perpendicularly, 
twenty,  thirty,  or  even  fifty  feet.  About  sixty  or  eighty  miles 
up  this  river,  is  the  country  of  King  Boatswain.  The  inter- 
mediate country  is  finely  wooded,  abounding  with  valuable 
ship-timber.  They  have  a  species  of  oak  which  is  evergreen, 
and  grows  to  the  size  of  five  or  six  feet  in  diameter  at  the 
stump,  rising  from  sixty  to  a  hundred  feet,  and  even  to  a 
hundred  and  ten  feet,  without  a  Umb.  They  have,  besides,  a 
species  of  poplar,  of  a  reddish  colour,  which  works  well,  and 
is  employed  by  joiners  for  the  inside  work  of  houses. 

"The  disease  known  at  Cape  Coast,  as  the  worm^  is  not 
known  at  Monrovia.  They  have  some  timber,  which  after 
lying  on  the  ground  ten  years,  never  has  a  worm.  They  have 
a  species  of  teak  similar  to  that  in  Brazil :  also  a  brimstone 
wood,  much  resembling  mahogany,  but  of  a  lighter  colour. 
They  have  the  great  ant  of  Africa ;  which,  however,  instead 
of  an  annoyance,  proves  serviceable  in  clearing  their  houses 
from  vermin  of  every  description.  A  band  of  these  insects  will 
attack  and  master  a  rat,  and  having  put  him  to  death,  will  di- 
vide his  body  into  small  pieces,  and  marshalling  themselves  in 
array,  will  carry  every  particle  of  the  spoil  out  of  the  house,  to 
their  nests. 

"They  paid  one  of  their  teachers  a  salary  of  four  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars;  but  he  did  not  consider  this  sufficient,  and 
engaged  in  the  business  of  a  surveyor.  The  newspaper  pub- 
lished in  Monrovia,  has  between  two  and  three  hundred  sub- 
scribers. 

"Mr.  Devany  had  visited  Sierra  Leone,  but  found  it  by  no 
means  in  so  prosperous  a  condition,  as  their  own  colony.  He 
attributed  the  difference  to  the  residence  of  European  traders 
among  them,  who  had  engrossed  the  commerce  to  themselves, 
and  who  treated  the  coloured  population  with  as  little  respect 
as  they  would  receive  in  Carolina  or  Georgia. 

"The  Liberia  agents  treat  the  coloured  people  well;  making 
no  difference  whatever  on  account  of  colour.  The  people  have 
great^  respect  for  the  agents,  but  feel  themselves  to  be  at  the 
29* 


342  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

head  of  their  own  society.  Much  activity  and  emulation  pre- 
vail: each  settler  endeavours  to  push  his  own  fortune  by  all 
lawful  and  honourable  means.  If  one  builds  himself  a  good 
house  this  season,  his  neighbour  will  try  to  have  as  good  a  one 
the  next.     But  this  competition  is  attended  with  no  ill  will. 

"To  every  colonist  who  arrives,  a  lot  is  assigned  of  a  quarter 
of  an  acre,  and  fifteen  acres  in  the  neighbourhood ;  but  to  such 
as  wish  to  become  farmers,  fifty  acres  of  land  are  granted.  The 
soil  is  cultivated  with  ease. 

"The  climate  is  mild  and  uniform ;  the  thermometer  never 
sinking  below  68°,  nor  rising  above  88°;  perhaps  once  it  has 
risen  above  90°.  There  is  a  constant  sea-breeze,  and  some- 
times the  weather  is  quite  cool ;  never  so  cold,  hovever,  as  to 
produce  frost.  There  are  no  chimneys  except  to  the  kitchens ; 
but  in  cold  weather,  it  is  customary  to  use  small  furnaces  with 
charcoal.  Many  of  the  houses  are  built  of  stone,  others  of 
logs,  weather-boarded.  Some  of  them  are  painted  white,  with 
green  Venetian  blinds. 

"They  have  gardens  abounding  with  vegetables,  and  various 
native  fruits.  The  pine-apple  is  common,  and  they  have  a 
species  of  cherry  growing  in  large  clusters  like  grapes.  The 
tamarind  is  common,  and  the  palm-tree  abounds,  and  is  of  great 
value;  palm-oil  is  worth  five  or  six  cents  a  pound.  They  buy 
it  from  the  natives  for  eight  or  ten  cents  a  gallon. 

"The  slave  trade  is  not  suffered  to  exist  within  the  colony; 
nor  is  it  to  be  found  within  a  space  of  forty-five  or  fifty  miles, 
on  each  side  of  Cape  Mesurado.  Any  person  found  engaged 
in  this  traffic,  within  the  colony,  is  imprisoned.  The  crime  is 
piracy  by  their  law,  and  none  of  the  colonists  have  been 
engaged  in  it." 

This  account  of  the  state  of  the  colony,  from  a  man  who  had 
resided  there,  for  many  years,  is  every  way  worthy  of  credit; 
and,  indeed,  carries  internal  evidence  of  its  truth,  to  every  can- 
did mind. 

We  have  also,  a  very  satisfactory  letter  on  the  subject  of  Libe- 
ria, from  Captain  W.  E.  Sherman,  a  judicious  and  pious  man, 
who  took  out  the  emigrants,  who  sailed  in  the  Liberia.  This 
letter  is  addressed  to  Mr.  Edward  Hallowell,  dated  May  10, 
1830.  Some  extracts  will  be  gratifying  to  those  who  wish  to 
contemplate  the  progress  of  the  colony,  from  year  to  year. 

"Monrovia,  at  present,  consists  of  about  ninety  dwelling 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  343 

houses  and  stores,  two  houses  for  public  worship,  and  a  coun- 
cil-house. Many  of  the  dwellings  are  handsome  and  conve- 
nient, and  all  of  them  comfortable.  The  plot  of  the  town  is 
cleared  more  than  a  mile  square,  elevated  about  seventy  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea,  and  it  contains  seven  hundred  inhabi- 
tants. The  streets  are  generally  one  hundred  feet  wide,  and 
like  those  of  our  good  city,  (Philadelphia,)  intersect  each  other 
at  right  angles. 

"The  Agent  of  the  Colonization  Society  is  the  chief  magis- 
trate, and  the  physician  of  the  colony,  his  assistant. 

"No  white  people  are  allowed  to  reside  in  the  colony  for  the 
purposes  of  trade,  or  of  pursuing  any  mechanical  business; 
such  being  intended  for  the  exclusive  benefit  of  the  coloured 
people.  The  colonial  secretary,  collector  of  customs,  surveyor, 
and  constables,  are  appointed  by  the  agent — the  vice-agent, 
sheritf,  treasurers,  and  all  other  civil  offices,  are  filled  by  the 
coloured  people. 

"The  court  holds  its  sessions  on  the  first  Monday  in  every 
month;  juries  are  empannelled  as  with  us,  and  its  jurisdiction 
extends  over  the  whole  colony. 

"The  township  of  Caldwell  is  about  seven  miles  from  Mon- 
rovia, on  St.  Paul's  river,  and  contains  a  population  of  five 
hundred  and  sixty  agriculturists.  The  soil  is  exceedingly 
fertile,  the  situation  pleasant,  and  the  people  satisfied  and 
happy. 

"Millsburg  is  situated  twenty-five  miles  from  Monrovia, 
on  the  St.  Paul's  at  the  head  of  tide-water,  where  there  are 
never  failing  streams,  sufficient  for  one  hundred  mills;  and 
there  is  timber  enough,  in  their  immediate  neighbourhood,  for 
their  employment,  if  used  for  the  purpose  of  sawing,  for  half 
a  century.     The  town  contains  two  hundred  inhabitants. 

"Bushrod  Island  separates  Mesurado  from  St.  Paul's  river, 
and  is  seven  miles  in  length,  three  at  its  extreme  breadth,  about 
five  miles  from  Monrovia,  and  is  very  fertile.  On  this  island 
are  settled  thirty  families,  from  the  Carolinas.  All  the  above 
settlers,  amounting  to  at  least  fifteen  hundred,  are  emigrants 
from  the  United  States. 

"On  the  left  bank  of  Stockton  creek,  and  near  Bushrod 
Island,  the  recaptured  Africans  are  located;  two  hundred  and 
fifty  of  whom  were  sent  out  by  the  Government  of  the  United 
States,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty,  taken  by  the  colonists,  from 


344  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  Spanish  factories;  the  agents  of  which  having  bought  some 
of  our  Ifidnapped  Africans,  and  refusing  to  give  them  up,  the 
colonists,  not  only  took  their  own  people,  but  the  slaves  they 
had  collected.  These  four  hundred,  who  are  useful  agricultu- 
rists, are  happily  situated,  and  very  contented.  The  settle- 
ments, of  which  I  have  spoken,  contain  an  aggregate  of  two 
thousand  souls,  and  are  in  a  flourishing  condition.     *     *     * 

"The  means  the  colony  has  for  defence,  at  present,  consists 
of  twenty  pieces  of  ordnance,  and  muskets  for  one  thousand 
men,  which  may  be  increased  from  private  stores  if  wanted. 

"There  is  much  hospitality  in  INIonrovia,  and  among  the  in- 
habitants a  greater  proportion  of  moral  and  religious  characters, 
than  in  your  city. 

"It  has  been  objected,  that  the  climate  is  very  unhealthy — 
this  is  true,  as  it  respects  the  whites,  but  erroneous  as  respects 
the  coloured  people.  Those  from  the  middle  and  northern 
States,  have  to  undergo  what  is  called  a  seasoning — that  is, 
they  generally  take  the  fever  the  first  month  of  their  residence, 
but  it  has  rarely  proved  fatal  since  accommodations  have  been 
prepared  for  their  reception:  those  from  Georgia  and  the  Caro- 
linas  and  the  southern  parts  of  Virginia,  either  escape  the  fever 
altogether,  or  have  it  very  slightly.  Deaths  occur  there,  indeed 
as  in  other  places,  but  Doctor  INIechlin,  the  agent,  assured  me 
that  the  bills  of  mortality  would  show  a  less  proportion  of 
deaths,  than  those  of  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  or  New  York. 

"I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying,  that  I  believe  Liberia  will, 
in  time,  become  a  great  nation,  and  be  the  means,  eventually, 
of  civilizing  a  great  part  of  Africa,  and  I  should  hope  the  whole 
of  that  benighted  country." 

The  Rev.  George  M.  Erskine,  a  Presbyterian  preacher,  of 
uncommon  good  sense,  brought  up  in  Tennessee,  went  out  with 
his  family,  whose  freedom  he  had  obtained  through  the  libe- 
rality of  the  Christian  public.  This  man  took  up  his  residence 
at  Caldwell,  and  after  a  month's  residence,  wrote  back  a  letter 
which  is  remarkable  for  its  sober,  discriminating  remarks.  His 
mind  was  not  of  a  sanguine  temperament ;  and  after  surveying 
the  state  of  the  colony,  he  entertained  serious  apprehensions, 
that  the  colony  would  be  injured  by  sending  out  too  great  a 
proportion  of  ignorant,  uneducated  persons.  Of  the  forty-eight 
emigrants,  who  went  out  with  him,  he  observes,  that  only  sev- 
enteen could  read,  and  he  expresses  strong  fears,  that  instead  of 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  345 

civilizing  the  natives,  the  colonists  would  gradually  approxi- 
mate to  their  manners.  He  laments  the  low  state  of  education 
in  the  colony;  he  therefore  most  earnestly  requests,  that  enlight- 
ened teachers  might  be  sent  to  Africa. 

But  he  rejoiced,  that  he  had  arrived  at  the  field  of  his  mis- 
sionary labours.  "I  am,"  says  he,  "thankful  to  the  great 
Parent  of  heaven,  that  he  has  continued  to  me  the  same  feel- 
ings that  I  had  in  your  country;  that  is,  that  I  may  preach  the 
gospel  extensively  in  Africa.  He  has  brought  me  into  the 
harvest  field,  which  is  indeed  white  for  labour.  And  as  he 
has  brought  me  here,  I  hope  he  will  spare  my  life,  and  engage 
my  heart  and  hands  in  that  glorious  work:  but  I  submit  myself 
into  his  hands,  to  do  as  to  Him  seemeth  good." 

Mr.  Erskine's  fond  anticipations  of  usefulness  in  Africa,  were, 
however,  disappointed.  His  wife  and  daughter  first,  and  then 
he  himself  sickened  and  died,  with  the  fever  of  the  climate. 
This  was  a  severe  shock  to  the  colony,  and  especially  to  the 
Presbyterians. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

AFRICAN  EDUCATION— EVENTS  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Whatever  may  be  said  in  favour  of  African  colonization,  it 
cannot  be  denied,  that  the  colony  has  been  carried  on  to  its 
present  state  of  advancement,  with  a  great  sacrifice  of  valuable 
men; — men  as  much  distinguished  for  disinterested  benevolence 
and  heroic  courage,  as  any  men  of  their  age.  Some  of  them, 
also,  were  endowed  with  genius  of  a  high  order,  and  had  minds 
cultivated  by  various  learning.  Pure  and  fervent  piety,  also, 
has  been  a  striking  characteristic  of  most  of  those  self-sacrificing 
men,  who  have  fallen  a  prey  to  the  African  fever. 

In  the  preceding  chapter  it  was  mentioned  that  Dr.  An- 
derson had  gone  out  to  fill  the  office  of  colonial  physician, 
left  vacant  by  the  advancement  of  Dr.  Mechlin  to  be  colonial 
agent.  Dr.  Mechlin,  on  account  of  his  health,  having  re- 
turned in  the  same  vessel  which  carried  Dr.  Anderson  out, 


346  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  duties  of  the  agency,  in  addition  to  those  of  physician, 
devolved  upon  him.  But  he  did  not  survive  long  enough 
to  realize  the  difficulties  of  his  situation.  By  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Anthony  D.  Williams,  vice-agent  of  the  colony,  infor- 
mation was  received  of  the  death  of  Dr.  J.  W.  Anderson,  of  the 
African  fever,  after  an  illness  often  days.  "We  mingle,"  says 
the  writer,  "  our  tears  with  yours,  in  anticipation,  when  we 
reflect  what  a  great  loss  the  colony  has  sustained.  Dr.  Ander- 
son had  been  but  a  few  weeks  among  us,  when  summoned  to 
take  his  departure  for  a  better  world;  but  his  gentle  and  unas- 
suming conduct,  his  Christian  walk  and  conversation,  and  his 
medical  skill,  endeared  him  to  all  who  had  the  happiness  of 
being  perfectly  acquainted  with  him."  Another  letter  says, 
"Well  might  I  have  said  when  Dr.  Anderson  breathed  his  last, 
'Come  and  see  how  a  Christian  can  die.'  He  commenced  pray- 
ing on  Thursday  evening,  and  continued  in  fervent  prayer  to 
his  Redeemer,  to  the  very  last.  He  offered  up  a  most  fervent 
supplication  in  behalf  of  the  colony,  for  the  civil  and  military 
officers  of  the  same,  for  the  Colonization  Society  and  its  friends, 
and  in  behalf  of  his  own  relatives  and  friends.  Shortly  before 
he  expired,  he  said, '  for  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain/ 
and  repeated  the  stanza, 

'  Jesus  can  make  a  dying  bed 
Feel  soft  as  downy  pillows  are, 
While  on  his  breast  I  lean  my  head, 
And  breathe  ray  life  out  sweetly  there.' 

He  desired  the  following  sentence  to  be  inscribed  on  his  tomb : 
*  Jesus,  for  thee  I  live,  for  thee  I  die.'  " 

The  following  obituary  notice  was  published  in  the  African 
Repository,  for  August,  1830. 

"John  Wallace  Anderson,  the  youngest  son  of  Col.  Richard 
Anderson,  was  born  in  Montgomery  county,  Maryland,  No- 
vember 5,  1802.  He  commenced  his  academical  studies  at 
Rockville,  and  continued  them  at  Hagerstown,  until  he  was 
prepared  to  enter  the  Sophomore  class  of  Nassau  Hall,  Prince- 
ton, New  Jersey,  whither  he  repaired  to  obtain  a  collegiate 
education.  The  state  of  his  health  compelled  him  to  relinquish 
his  studies  in  this  institution;  and  after  it  was  restored,  he  en- 
tered on  the  medical  course  at  Philadelphia,  where  he  was  gra- 
duated in  the  spring  of  1828.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  he 
settled,  as  a  practising  physician,  in  Hagerstown,  and  twelve 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  347 

months  afterwards  disclosed  his  determination  to  devote  himself 
to  African  colonization,  by  serving  in  a  medical  capacity,  among 
the  colonists  of  Liberia.  In  fulfilling  this  resolution,  Dr.  An- 
derson had  to  leave  a  home  rendered  delightful  by  the  presence 
of  a  most  interesting  family  circle,  and  the  ordinances  of  God's 
house  administered  in  that  church  of  which  he  was  a  member. 
He  embarked  on  board  the  Liberia,  on  the  17th  of  January, 
1830,  arrived  at  the  colony  on  the  17th  of  February,  and  on 
the  12th  of  April  closed  his  earthly  pilgrimage,  after  an  ilhiess 
of  twelve  days." 

The  editor  of  the  Repository  says,  concerning  this  young 
man :  "  It  was  our  privilege  to  enjoy  his  acquaintance  but  for 
two  or  three  days,  just  before  his  departure  for  Liberia.  But 
we  saw  in  him,  during  this  short  season,  evidences  of  remark- 
able devotion  to  the  cause  of  God  and  man,  and  a  spirit  so 
mild,  retiring,  disinterested,  and  unwavering,  as  at  once  to  win 
our  affections  and  deeply  impress  our  hearts." 

On  the  20th  of  October,  1830,  the  ship  Carolinian,  char- 
tered by  the  American  Colonization  Society,  sailed  from  Nor- 
folk, Virginia,  with  one  hundred  and  seven  coloured  emigrants 
for  Liberia  ;  forty-five  of  whom  were  emancipated  slaves.  The 
colonial  agent.  Dr.  Mechlin,  and  Dr.  Humphreys,  colonial 
physician,  took  passage  in  this  vessel.  So  also  did  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Warner,  missionaries  to  Liberia,  sent  out  by  the  Baptist 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions.  Among  the  liberated  slaves, 
were  eight  of  the  descendants  of  Abduhl  Rahaman;  and  nine 
liberated  by  C.  Bolton,  Esq.,  of  Savannah ;  twelve  by  Miss 
Blackburn,  near  Charlestown,  Virginia ;  seven,  by  Miss  Van 
Meter,  Hardy  county,  Virginia ;  and  seven  others  left  free, 
by  a  gentleman  in  Essex  county,  Virginia ;  and  a  few  others. 
The  children  and  grand  children  of  Abduhl  Rahaman,  were 
redeemed  and  provided  for  by  a  fund  raised  in  Philadelphia, 
before  mentioned.  The  emigrants  were  generally  well  sup- 
plied with  articles  most  necessary  for  the  voyage.  One  of  the 
females  liberated  by  Miss  Blackburn  had  possession  of  a  pretty 
good  library,  and  many  school-books.  Two  of  the  women 
sent  by  this  benevolent  lady,  were  accompanied  by  their  hus- 
bands, whom  she  had  redeemed  at  the  price  of  eight  hundred 
dollars. 

It  may  be  mentioned  here  as  a  fact  worthy  of  notice,  that 
Mr.  Robert  S.  Finley,  a  son  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Finley,  the  founder 


348  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

of  the  Colonization  Society  had  entered  the  field  as  an  agent, 
and  the  success  of  his  first  efforts  furnish  a  favourable  prog- 
nostication of  his  future  usefulness  in  this  cause.  Rev.  Mr. 
Bascom,  continued  his  agency  through  the  year  with  most  en- 
couraging success. 

The  Board  of  Managers,  at  Washington,  were  not  inatten- 
tive to  the  importance  of  promoting  education  in  the  colony. 
Indeed,  they  were  sensible  that  the  success  of  their  important 
enterprise  depended  more  on  this  single  point,  than  any  other: 
and  "  that  all  the  hopes  of  humanity  and  religion,  connected 
with  Liberia,  must  perish,  unless  the  youth  of  the  colony 
shall  be  brought  under  the  influence  of  a  well  conducted 
system  of  education."  The  subject  was,  therefore,  committed 
and  re-committed,  in  order  that  some  plan  might  be  devised 
which  would  at  the  same  time  be  efficient,  and  adapted  to  the 
circumstances  of  the  people.  And  to  aid  the  colonists  in  carry- 
ing the  system  which  they  sent  them  into  eff'ect,  a  resolution 
was  passed,  that  one  tenth  part  of  all  the  proceeds  of  public 
lots  and  other  lands,  should  be  appropriated  to  the  support 
of  schools  in  the  colony;  and  for  the  present,  the  whole. 
Their  plan  provided,  that  there  should  be  built,  at  each  popu- 
lous settlement  in  Liberia,  a  good  substantial  school-house,  and 
that  one  hundred  dollars  to  this  object  will  be  contributed  by 
the  Board ;  and  that  five  discreet  persons  among  the  colonists, 
at  each  town,  should  have  the  supervision  of  the  school ;  these 
visitors  to  be  appointed  annually  by  the  colonial  agent  and 
council.  It  was  also  resolved  to  recommend  to  the  colonial 
agent  and  council,  to  require  from  the  guardians  or  parents 
of  children,  such  reasonable  price  of  tuition  as  their  respective 
circumstances  may  justify. 

In  the  year  182S,  a  Mission  School  Society  for  Africans, 
was  instituted  at  Hartford,  Connecticut.  The  report  of  the 
directors  of  this  society,  in  1830,  represents,  "that  the  great 
difficulty  with  which  the  school  has  to  contend,  has  been,  that 
very  few  persons  have  presented  themselves,  as  candidates 
for  admission.  After  giving  the  most  extensive  information 
of  the  existence  of  this  institution,  and  that  it  was  prepared  to 
receive  pupils,  no  more  than  six  had  applied.  Since  that  time, 
two  more  have  been  added,  the  first  of  whom,  however,  it 
became  soon  necessary  to  dismiss.  Some  good,  however,  has 
been  effected.     Two  persons,  Mr.  Jones  and  Mr.  Ca3sar,  had 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  349 

been  recommended  to  the  Directors  of  the  Domestic  and  For- 
eign INIissionary  Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church,  to 
be  sent  out,  under  their  care,  as  missionaries  to  Africa. 

It  has  been  the  lot  of  this  benevolent  institution,  above  most 
others,  to  encounter  hostility  from  opposite  quarters.  In  Geor- 
gia, and  South  Carolina,  at  the  commencement  of  the  enter- 
prise, there  seemed  to  be  a  friendly  feeling;  as  was  evident 
from  the  reception  given  to  Dr.  Meade,  when  in  1S20  he  visited 
that  state,  to  rescue  from  slavery  certain  recaptured  Africans. 
And  the  same  distinguished  agent  found  in  Charleston  not  only 
a  friendly  but  a  liberal  spirit,  in  relation  to  this  object.  The 
first  remittance  from  that  city,  was  a  sum  not  less  than  five 
hundred  dollars.  But  in  a  little  time,  a  different  spirit  began 
to  manifest  itself.  One  of  the  most  liberal  contributors,  and 
one  of  the  most  distinguished  men  of  the  State,  has  since  de- 
clared, that  "the  scheme  of  African  colonization  is  both  cruel 
and  absurd."  In  1S27,  the  Colonization  Society  was  denounced 
in  the  Charleston  press,  in  a  series  of  illiberal  and  angry  essays, 
over  the  signature  of  Brutus.  It  was  represented  as  making 
"an  insidious  attack  on  the  tranquillity  of  the  south;"  as  the 
"nest  egg,  placed  in  Congress  by  northern  abolitionists,  that 
therefrom  might  be  raised  and  hatched  for  the  south,  anxiety, 
inquietude,  and  troubles  to  which  there  could  be  no  end,"  The 
Charleston  Mercury  asks,  "Will  Congress  aid  a  society  repro- 
bated at  the  south,  and  justly  regarded  as  murderous  in  its 
principles,  and  as  tending  inevitably  to  the  destruction  of  the  pub- 
lic peace  ?  Will  it  become  an  instrument  in  the  hands  of  fanati- 
cism, and  act  as  the  abettor  of  the  incendiary  and  assassin?" 

It  is  not  easy  to  understand  the  reasons  of  the  change  which 
occurred  in  these  southern  States,  unfavourable  to  the  coloniza- 
tion of  the  free  people  of  colour  on  the  coast  of  Africa.  Cer- 
tainly, the  society  had  not  departed  from  its  original  principles; 
and  there  was  nothing  in  the  operations  of  the  society,  either  in 
Africa,  or  this  country,  which  could  have  given  origin  to  such 
virulent  hostility.  The  character  of  the  numerous  eminent  men, 
coimected  with  the  institution  of  slavery,  ought  to  have  been 
considered  a  sufficient  pledge  that  the  scheme  was  not  fraught 
with  mischief  Such  men  as  Thomas  Jetierson,  James  Madi- 
son, James  Monroe,  John  Marshall,  Bushrod  Washington, 
Henry  Clay,  C.  F.  Mercer,  and  a  host  of  others,  are  surety 
30 


350  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

enough  to  give  the  stamp  of  innocence  and  usefulness  to  any 
enterprise  to  which  they  have  given  their  approbation. 

It  would  seem,  that  the  true  reason  why  this  rancorous 
liostility  has  arisen  in  South  Carolina,  is  the  operation  of  the 
society  in  opening  the  way  for  such  persons  as  wished  it,  to 
emancipate  their  slaves;  and  the  expectation,  often  expressed 
by  the  friends  of  the  society,  that  efforts  of  this  kind  would  go 
on  increasing,  until,  it  was  hoped,  slavery  would  disappear  from 
our  soil,  and  our  country  be  relieved  from  the  odium  of  this 
black  spot  in  her  escutcheon,  in  the  eyes  of  foreign  nations. 
Now,  these  violent  opposers  of  colonization  have  adopted  the 
opinion,  that  slavery  is  no  evil  to  our  country,  political  or  moral; 
but  a  good  and  useful  institution,  and  very  favourable  to  the 
true  spirit  of  republicanism !  These  sentiments  were  not  known 
to  exist  in  any  part  of  the  country,  until  they  were  boldly  and 
eloquently  expressed  in  both  houses  of  Congress,  by  two  of  the 
most  talented  and  distinguished  politicians  of  South  Carolina. 
It  is  no  matter  of  wonder,  that  with  such  opinions  as  these, 
the  scheme  of  colonization  should  be  opposed;  for  although  it 
proposes  nothing  but  the  removal  of  the  free  people  of  colour, 
with  their  own  consent,  yet  it  was  not  and  could  not  be  con- 
cealed, that  the  friends  of  this  enterprise  had  ulterior  views, 
far  more  important  than  the  object  immediately  aimed  at.  It 
was  believed  by  the  founders  and  advocates  of  this  society,  that 
it  would  exercise  a  gradual  and  powerful  influence  on  slavery, 
simply  by  furnishing  benevolent  and  conscientious  persons 
with  an  opportunity  of  emancipating  their  slaves,  to  their  own 
advantage;  and  without  injury  to  the  country,  as  they  would 
be  removed  as  soon  as  liberated.  The  direct  and  immediate 
object  of  the  Colonization  Society  is  good,  and  if  it  accomplished 
no  more  than  this,  it  would  be  achieving  an  important  end:  but 
the  idea  that  it  would  rapidly  promote  voluntary  emancipation 
by  a  moral  and  indirect  influence,  is  that  which  has  especially 
recommended  it  to  its  most  enlightened  friends.  There  can  be 
no  doubt,  that  the  great  men  whose  names  have  been  men- 
tioned, patronized  the  Colonization  Society  especially  in  the 
hope,  that  gradually,  but  rapidly,  it  would  tend  to  deliver 
the  country  from  the  incubus  of  slavery,  in  a  way  to  which 
no  one  would  have  any  right  or  reason  to  object.  But  such 
as  cling  to  slavery  as  a  national  blessing,  cannot  but  dread  the 
operation  of  a  cause  which  will  be  multiplying,  before  the  eyes 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAX    COLONIZATION.  351 

of  all,  instances  of  voluntary  emancipation :  and  it  cannot  be 
denied  that  the  occurrence  of  these  effects,  in  every  part  of  the 
country,  where  slavery  exists,  will  have  a  tendency  to  bring 
before  the  minds  both  of  masters  and  slaves,  the  true  nature  of 
this  relation. 

The  opposition  which  has  arisen  to  the  north  and  the  south, 
and  which  has  gone  on  increasing  in  virulence  and  extent,  has 
no  doubt,  had  the  effect  of  preventing  any  efficient  action  of 
Congress  on  this  subject.  At  one  time,  it  seemed  as  if  the 
expression  of  opinion  in  the  legislatures  of  the  States,  in 
the  ecclesiastical  bodies  of  all  denominations,  and  in  the  meet- 
ings of  the  people,  would  have  so  pressed  this  subject  on  the 
attention  of  Congress,  that,  in  obedience  to  the  voice  of  the 
people,  the  national  government  would  have  not  only  patronized 
the  society,  but  have  extended  over  Liberia  the  broad  shield 
of  its  protection.  That  pleasing  vision,  however,  has  passed 
away.  Our  chief  hope  now  is,  that  the  States,  which  are 
interested,  will,  as  in  the  case  of  Maryland,  appropriate  an 
annual  sum  sufficient  to  transport  all  the  free  people  of  colour, 
who  may  wish  to  go  to  Africa.  Virginia  made  some  attempt 
to  follow  the  example  of  her  sister  Maryland,  but  has  not 
proceeded  pari  passu  with  her:  the  appropriation  made  by 
her  legislature  has  from  some  unwise  provisions  of  the  law, 
been  entirely  ineffectual.  But  perhaps,  we  shall  see,  in  the 
end,  that  it  was  best,  that  in  the  early  stages  of  the  colony, 
it  should  depend  only  on  private  enterprise  and  liberality. 

The  fourteenth  annual  meeting  of  the  Colonization  Society 
was  held  in  Washington  City,  Wednesday  evening,  January  19, 
1831.  Mr.  C.  F.  Mercer,  one  of  the  vice-presidents,  presided. 
The  annual  report  of  the  Board  of  Managers  to  the  society 
was  read  by  Mr.  Gurley,  the  corresponding  secretary,  and 
exhibited  many  interesting  and  encouraging  facts,  in  regard 
to  the  state  and  prospects  of  the  colony,  and  of  the  progress 
made  by  the  society  in  the  United  States.  It  appeared  that  two 
vessels,  the  Carolinian  and  the  Volador  had  recently  sailed 
with  emigrants  for  Africa.  The  receipts  of  the  society,  during 
the  past  year,  were  above  twenty-seven  thousand  dollars,  of 
which  sum  nearly  eleven  thousand  dollars  arose  from  collec- 
tions on  the  fourth  of  July.  And  the  receipts  of  1830,  exceeded 
those  of  1829  by  eight  thousand  dollars. 

Various  resolutions  were  proposed  and  adopted,  but  none  of 


352  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN  COLONIZATION. 

them  were  of  very  great  importance.  Addresses  were  made 
by  Elliott  Cresson,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia;  by  the  Hon,  Mr. 
Wilson,  of  Maryland;  by  Mr.  Custis,  of  Arlington;  by  Gerrit 
Smith,  of  New  York;  by  Mr.  Doddridge,  of  Virginia;  by  the 
Rev.  Calvin  Colton,  of  Massachusetts;  by  the  Hon.  Mr.  Freling- 
huysen,  of  New  Jersey;  by  the  Hon.  Mr.  Bates,  of  Massachu- 
setts; and  by  J.  S.  Benham,  Esq. 

By  the  successive  arrivals  of  tlie  Carolinian  of  Philadelphia, 
the  Volador  of  Baltimore,  the  Zembuca  of  Baltimore,  and  the 
Reaper  of  Salem,  intelligence  was  received  from  the  colony, 
and  a  letter  from  Dr.  Mechlin,  the  colonial  agent.  These  des- 
patches mention  the  death  of  the  wife  and  child  of  the  Rev. 
Benjamin  Rush  Skinner,  the  Baptist  missionary,  who,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Baptist  Board,  had  gone  out,  last  year,  to 
Liberia. 

Dr.  Mechlin  remarks,  "  I  was  much  gratified,  on  my  arrival, 
to  find  aifairs  in  a  more  prosperous  condition  than  my  most 
sanguine  anticipations  had  led  me  to  expect.  Indeed,  the  spirit 
of  improvement  appears  to  have  pervaded  all  classes.  Upwards 
of  twenty-five  substantial  stone  and  frame  buildings  have  been 
erected  in  Monrovia,  and  several  walls  are  now  in  progress ; 
and  I  am  credibly  informed  (for  I  have  not  had  time  to  exam- 
ine for  myself)  that  our  agricultural  interests  have  advanced 
more  during  the  present,  than  any  preceding  year — in  fact  the 
people  seem  to  be  sensible  that  much  may  be  effected  by  a 
little  exertion,  and  appear  determined  to  use  their  utmost  efforts 
to  develope  the  resources  of  the  country." 

"  Our  relations  with  the  natives  continue  to  be  of  the  most 
amicable  kind,  and  our  influence  over  them  is  rapidly  extending. 
Apphcations  have  been  recently  made  to  receive  under  our 
protection,  several  in  our  vicinity.  A  head-man,  named  Far 
Gay,  has  placed  himself  with  his  people  under  our  protection, 
surrendering  all  authority  over  them  to  the  colonial  govern- 
ment. Prince  Will  and  King  Tom,  of  Junk,  wish  to  make  a 
similar  arrangement,  but  not  exactly  on  the  same  terras.  The 
sea-coast  already  belongs  to  us;  they  now  wish  us  to  purchase 
the  interior  from  them.,  (which  can  be  effected  at  a  moderate 
price,)  and  assume  the  internal  government  of  the  country. 
This  they  are  anxious  to  effect,  to  secure  themselves  from  being 
molested  by  King  Boatswain;  who  has  been  for  some  time  at 
war  with  the  tribes  at  Little  Bassa.     I  think  it  advisable,  that 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  353 

their  request  should  be  acceded  to;  otherwise  we  might  lose 
the  influence  we  now  possess,  and  want  of  power  to  protect 
them  would  no  doubt  be  assigned  as  a  reason  for  our  refusal. 
At  present,  the  natives  in  our  vicinity  deem  it  no  small  privi- 
lege to  be  permitted  to  call  themselves  Americans. 

"  Our  public  schools  continue  much  in  the  same  state  as  when 
I  departed  for  the  United  States,  but  the  colonists  seem  to  be 
more  alive  to  the  importance  of  education,  and  I  have  no  doubt 
will  cheerfully  afford  every  assistance  in  their  power  towards 
rendering  the  regulation  lately  adopted  by  the  Board  as  efficient 
as  possible.  I  cannot  close  this  despatch  without  expressing 
my  warmest  approbation  of  the  able  manner  in  which  the  colo- 
nial affairs  have  been  conducted  by  the  present  vice-agent,  Mr. 
A.  D.  Williams.  During  my  absence,  every  thing  appears  to 
have  gone  on  with  the  greatest  regularity;  and  the  most  rigid 
economy,  consistent  with  the  public  welfare,  has  been  observed. 
Indeed,  under  all  circumstances,  and  in  every  situation,  I  think 
him  entitled  to  your  unlimited  confidence," 

In  a  letter  written  some  weeks  afterwards.  Dr.  Mechlin  says: 
"  It  is  with  pleasure  I  announce  to  you,  the  safe  arrival  of  the 
brig  Volador,  after  a  voyage  of  thirty-nine  days,  with  all  her 
passengers,  eighty-three  in  number,  in  good  health.  I  think, 
from  the  appearance  of  these  people,  they  will  prove  an  acqui- 
sition to  our  colony.  They  have  all  been  landed  with  their 
effects,  and  with  few  exceptions,  sent  to  Caldwell,  where  they 
will  be  placed  under  the  medical  superintendence  of  Dr.  Tod- 
sen,  until  they  have  in  a  measure  become  acclimated,  when  a 
portion  of  them  will  be  located  at  Millsburg.  I  think  it  proba- 
ble, that  most  of  them  will  have  the  fever  slightly,  as  they  came 
from  the  lower  parts  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  The 
experience  of  former  emigrations  having  proved  that  the  disease 
of  the  country  affects  such  in  a  slighter  degree  than  those  from 
the  northern,  or  from  the  mountainous  parts  of  the  southern 
States. 

"On  the  5th  inst.  I  exposed  at  public  sale, on  a  credit  of  three, 
six,  and  nine  months,  some  of  the  lots  in  Monrovia,  on  the  mar- 
gin of  the  river — the  result  exceeded  my  most  sanguine  expec- 
tations, and  will  place  at  my  disposal  for  the  purposes  of  edu- 
cation, a  much  greater  sum  than  I  anticipated,  and  will  enable 
me,  at  once,  to  carry  into  operation  the  school-system,  author- 
30* 


354  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

ized  by  the  Board.     Enclosed,  you  will  receive  a  copy  of  an 
act  for  the  support  of  schools,  passed  by  the  agent  and  council. 

«  The  request  of  the  Board  that  I  should  discourage  the  sale 
of  ardent  spirits  in  the  colony,  shall  receive  my  earliest  and 
most  serious  consideration. 

"  The  school-houses  will  be  commenced  immediately,  and  I 
hope  completed  by  the  middle  of  April.  Directors  of  schools 
have  been  appointed  agreeably  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Board, 
as  well  as  teachers  for  Monrovia  and  Caldwell. 

"  The  deaths  among  the  Carolinian's  emigrants  have  been 
more  numerous  than  I  anticipated,  and  have  occurred  chiefly  in 
those  families  from  the  mountainous  parts. of  Virginia.  Out  of 
the  one  hundred  and  seven  emigrants  by  this  vessel,  twenty 
have  died." 

By  information  still  more  recent  than  the  above  despatches, 
it  was  learned  that  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Rush  Skinner  died  on 
board  the  Liberia,  on  his  return  to  the  United  States,  on  the 
first  of  March,  1831;  and  that  Dr.  Humphries,  the  colonial 
physician,  died  at  Monrovia,  of  a  pulmonary  affection,  on  the 
22d  of  February.  Some  more  deaths  of  the  emigrants  by  the 
Carolinian,  had  occurred;  but  none  of  those  who  came  out  in 
the  Volador.  The  health  of  Dr.  Mechlin  was  improving,  and 
Dr.  Todsen  was  well. 

In  a  letter  from  Dr.  Mechlin  to  Elliott  Cresson,  Esq.,  there  is 
some  information  not  so  fully  contained  in  his  former  communi- 
cations.    This  letter  bears  date  February  21,  1832. 

"  The  prospects  of  the  colony  were  never  brighter  than  at 
present.  Tne  improvements  in  agriculture,  commerce,  and 
buildings,  during  my  short  visit  to  the  United  States,  have  been 
astonishingly  great,  and  far  exceeded  my  most  sanguine  expec- 
tations; and  should  nothing  intervene  to  interrupt  our  present 
advancement,  our  little  town  will  ere  long,  be  one  of  the  most 
desirable  places  of  resort  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa.  I 
have  been  informed,  by  a  captain,  from  the  leeward,  that  there 
is,  at  present,  much  more  business  done  at  this  place  than  at 
any  of  the  old  European  settlements  on  the  Gold  Coast. 

"  We  have,  at  present,  among  our  recaptured  Africans,  many 
who,  on  their  arrival  here,  were  scarcely  a  remove,  in  point  of 
civilization,  from  the  native  tribes  around  us,  but  who,  at  pre- 
sent, are  as  pious  and  devoted  servants  of  Christ,  as  you  will 
meet  in  any  community:  and  by  their  walk  and  conversation, 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  355 

afford  an  example  worthy  of  imitation.  They  have  a  house 
for  pubUc  worship,  and  Sunday-schools  established,  which  are 
well  attended;  and  their  church  is  regularly  supplied  every  Sun- 
day from  among  our  own  clergy.  These  people  I  consider  as 
forming  an  admirable  medium  of  communication,  or  link,  be- 
tween the  savage  natives  and  civilized  colonists  from  the  United 
States,  and  will,  "I  have  no  doubt,  prove  a  powerful  means  of 
spreading  the  light  of  Christianity  and  civilization  over  this 
benighted  country. 

"As  to  the  morals  of  the  colonists,  I  consider  them  much  bet- 
ter than  those  of  the  United  States :  that  is,  you  may  take  an 
equal  number  of  the  inhabitants  from  any  section  of  the  Union, 
and  you  will  find  more  drunkards,  more  profane  swearers, 
Sabbath-breakers,  &c.,  than  in  Liberia.  Indeed,  I  know  no 
country  where  things  are  conducted  more  quietly  and  orderly 
than  in  this  colony.  You  rarely  hear  an  oath,  and  as  to  riots 
or  breaches  of  the  peace,  I  recollect  of  but  one  instance,  and 
that  of  a  trifling  nature,  since  I  assumed  the  government  of  the 
colony.  The  Sabbath  is  more  strictly  observed  than  I  ever  saw 
it  in  the  United  States.  Our  Sunday-schools  are  well  attended, 
not  only  by  the  children  of  the  colonists,  but  also  by  the  native 
children  who  reside  among  us." 

The  legislature  of  Maryland  had  already,  with  most  of  her 
sister  States,  expressed  her  approbation  of  the  objects  of  the 
Colonization  Society;  but,  this  year,  Mr.  Brawner  brought  into 
the  House  of  Representatives  a  set  of  resolutions,  which  contem- 
plated something  further  than  the  mere  expression  of  opinion. 
They  were  as  follows, 

^^  Resolved,  That  the  increased  proportion  of  the  free  people 
of  colour  in  this  State,  to  the  white  population,  the  evils  growing 
out  of  their  connexion  and  unrestrained  association  with  the 
slaves,  their  manner  of  obtaining  a  subsistence,  and  their  with- 
drawing a  large  portion  of  employment  from  the  labouring  class 
of  the  white  population,  are  subjects  of  momentous  and  grave 
consideration  to  the  good  people  of  this  State. 

^^  Resolved,  That  as  philanthropists  and  lovers  of  freedom,  we 
deplore  the  existence  of  slavery  among  us,  and  would  use  our 
utmost  exertions  to  ameliorate  its  condition;  yet  we  consider  the 
unrestricted  power  of  manumission  as  fraught  with  ultimate 
evils  of  a  more  dangerous  tendency  than  the  circumstances  of 
slavery  alone;  and  that  any  act,  having  for  its  object  the  mitiga- 


356  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

tion  of  these  joint  evils,  not  inconsistent  with  other  paramount 
considerations,  would  be  worthy  the  attention  and  deliberation 
of  the  representatives  of  a  free,  liberal-minded,  and  enlightened 
people;  therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  we  consider  the  colonization  of  the  free  peo- 
ple of  colour  in  Africa,  as  the  commencement  of  a  system,  by 
which,  if  judicious  encouragement  be  afforded,  these  evils  may 
be  measurably  diminished,  so  that,  in  process  of  time,  the  rela- 
tive proportion  of  the  black  to  the  white  population,  will  hard- 
ly be  matter  for  serious  or  unpleasant  consideration. 

"  Ordered,  therefore,  that  a  committee  of  five  members  be 
appointed  by  the  chair,  with  instructions  to  report  a  bill,  based, 
as  nearly  as  may  be,  upon  the  principles  contained  in  the  fore- 
going resolutions." 

These  resolutions  were  adopted,  and  the  committee  appointed. 

In  order  that  we  may  form  a  correct  opinion  of  the  state  of 
the  colony,  it  is  desirable  to  have  the  testimony  not  only  of 
friends,  and  residents,  but  also  of  impartial  travellers  and  visi- 
ters. The  favourable  report  of  Captain  Sherman  has  already 
been  laid  before  the  reader;  we  will  now  add  that  of  Captain 
Woodside.  In  a  letter,  dated  the  2d  of  April,  1831,  he  says,  "I 
returned  from  Mesurado,  via  Philadelphia,  in  November  last,  and 
I  must  say  this  visit  afforded  me  more  real  satisfaction,  than  any 
I  had  hitherto  made  to  Africa.  Being  in  a  great  measure  un- 
trammelled with  business,  I  had  leisure  to  visit  Caldwell  and 
King  Bromley's  town,  and  was  much  pleased,  I  assure  you,  with 
my  excursion.  The  beauty  of  the  situation  of  Caldwell,  the 
fertility  of  the  soil,  and  the  air  of  comfort  and  happiness,  which 
reigns  throughout,  will,  I  hope,  remain  an  everlasting  evidence 
of  the  unceasing  exertions  of  our  friend  Ashmun.  I  dined 
with  King  Bromley,  and  had  a  long  conversation  with  him  on 
the  affairs  of  the  colony — he  frankly  admitted  to  me  that  he 
believed  no  white  man  but  Ashmun,  could  have  reconciled  him 
to  the  loss  of  the  beach  trade — that  Ashmun  had  been  a  father 
to  him  and  to  his  people,  and  that  he  had  convinced  him  satis- 
factorily, that  trading  in  his  fellow  men  was  criminal  and 
wrong." 

Duringthis  year,  (1S31,)  a  considerable  movement  took  place 
in  Kentucky,  respecting  the  gradual  emancipation  of  slaves. 
A  number  of  slaveholders,  convinced  that  immediate  emanci- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  357 

pation  was  not  practicable  nor  desirable,  formed  a  society,  the 
object  of  which  was,  to  promote  the  gradual  abolition  of  sla- 
very; and  any  person  by  becoming  a  member  of  this  society, 
pledged  himself  to  provide  for  the  freedom  of  all  the  posterity 
of  his  slaves,  which  should  be  born  after  a  certain  day;  in  this, 
setting  an  example  of  the  course  which  they  supposed  the 
legislature  of  the  State  might  safely  pursue. 

The  colonization  scheme  was  generally  approved  in  this 
State;  its  most  distinguished  cities  having  patronized  it  from 
the  beginning;  and  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  of  all  denomi- 
nations, being  found  amongst  its  zealous  advocates.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Bascom  had  already  traversed  the  State;  but  now  Mr. 
Robert  S.  Finley,  being  appointed  permanent  agent  for  the 
west,  held  many  meetings,  and  by  his  powerful  addresses  gave 
a  new  impetus  to  the  cause. 

Mr.  Finley,  in  his  report  to  the  Board,  observes,  "that  there 
is  no  law  in  Kentucky  prohibiting  the  instruction  of  slaves  to 
read  and  write,  and  that  great  efforts  are  making  to  encourage 
and  assist  them  in  doing  so.  After  delivering  an  address  to  a 
large  and  respectable  audience  in  this  place,  (Lexington,)  a 
venerable  clergyman,  who  had  lived  here  ever  since  the  early 
settlement  of  the  country,  arose,  and  in  a  solemn  and  impressive 
manner,  urged  the  necessity  and  duty  of  having  a  Sunday- 
school  established  in  every  kitchen  where  there  were  slaves, 
to  instruct  them  to  read  the  Bible;  having  especially  in  view, 
the  object  of  preparing  them  to  be  useful  and  respectable  citi- 
zens of  Liberia.  This  gentleman  has  a  Sunday-school  taught 
in  his  kitchen,  by  a  very  respectable  and  intelligent  man,  his 
slave,  where  from  fifty  to  a  hundred,  mostly  slaves,  are  weekly 
instructed.  I  visited  his  school  last  Sunday,  and  found  it  re- 
markably well  ordered,  and  was  informed  by  the  teacher,  that 
about  thirty  of  his  scholars  could  read  in  the  New  Testament." 

The  cause  of  colonization  found  also  a  zealous  and  able 
advocate  in  Illinois,  in  the  person  of  Cyrus  Edwards,  Esq.  An 
address  of  this  gentleman,  delivered  in  Vandalia,  may  be  read 
in  the  number  of  the  African  Repository  for  the  month  of 
June,  183L  It  is  lucid  and  convincing,  and  will  well  repay  the 
perusal. 

We  have  another  very  satisfactory  testimony  in  favour  of 
the  colony  of  Liberia,  from  Captain  Kennedy,  a  distinguished 
naval  officer,  the  late  commander  of  the  Java.     This  testimony 


358  HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

is  the  more  unsuspected,  because  Captain  Kennedy  acknow- 
ledges, that  he  had  imbibed  prejudices  against  the  colonization 
enterprise.  On  this  account,  "I  sought  out,"  says  he,  "the 
most  shrewd  and  intelligent  of  the  colonists,  many  of  whom 
were  personally  known  to  me,  and  by  long  and  wary  conver- 
sations, endeavoured  to  elicit  from  them,  any  dissatisfaction 
with  their  condition  (if  such  existed)  or  any  latent  design  to 
return  to  their  native  country — neither  of  these  did  I  observe : 
on  the  contrary,  I  thought  I  could  perceive,  that  they  thought 
they  had  started  into  a  new  existence — that  disencumbered  of 
the  mortifying  relations  in  which  they  formerly  stood  in  society, 
they  felt  themselves  proud  in  their  attitude,  and  seemed  con- 
scious, that  while  they  were  the  founders  of  a  new  empire, 
they  were  prosecuting  the  noble  purpose  of  regenerating  the 
land  of  their  fathers. 

"I  was  pleased  to  observe,  that  they  were  impressed  with 
the  vast  importance  of  a  proper  education,  not  only  of  their  own 
children,  but  the  children  of  the  natives,  and  that  to  this  they 
looked,  confidently,  as  the  means  of  their  high  object,  namely 
the  civilization  of  their  benighted  brethren  of  Africa. 

"I  observed,  with  great  satisfaction,  that  their  children  in 
many  instances  could  converse  in  the  languages  of  the  tribes 
by  which  the  colony  is  surrounded.  Most  of  the  articles  of 
commerce  which  can  be  profitably  used  in  barter  with  the 
natives  are  familiar  to  your  readers;  but  there  are  yet  some 
which  have  not  employed  the  enterprise  of  our  citizens. 

"In  the  article  of  salt,  more  especially,  a  most  advantageous 
traffic  is  conducted,  and  yet  susceptible  of  great  increase.  In 
bartering  with  that  article,  the  colonists  readily  receive  gold 
dust,  ivory,  dye-wood,  &c.,  at  the  rate  of  two  dollars  per  quart. 
It  is  matter  of  astonishment  that  our  enterprising  citizens 
have  not  sought,  in  that  particular  article,  a  channel  for  the 
most  profitable  speculation.  An  extent  of  eight  or  ten  leagues 
south  of  the  cape  is  well  adapted  for  the  making  of  salt  by 
evaporation,  with  comparatively  little  labour.  Indeed  the  isle 
of  Mayo,  (one  of  the  Cape  de  Verde  islands,)  only  eight  or  nine 
days  sail  from  Mesurado,  would  furnish  abundance  of  salt  for 
the  purposes  of  the  colony  at  a  low  price.  I  would  recom- 
mend for  the  better  prosecution  of  this  traffic  that  the  salt  be 
imported  in  iron  pots  and  kettles  of  various  sizes,  as  they  could 
be  disposed  of  at  a  very  great  price. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  359 

"  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  state,  that  the  colonists  are  turning 
their  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  coffee.  That  this  article  of 
produce  is  to  prove  a  vast  source  of  wealth  to  the  colonists, 
there  can  be  no  doubt.  The  labour  and  expense  of  its  cultiva- 
tion will  be  comparatively  small:  indeed,  they  have  but  to 
clear  away  the  forest  trees,  and  the  plantations  are  ready  to 
their  hands.  There  are  two  descriptions  of  the  plant  indi- 
genous; one  a  shrub,  evidently  the  same  as  the  Mocha,  but 
yielding  a  berry  of  superior  flavour;  the  other,  a  tree,  fre- 
quently attaining  the  height  of  forty  feet.  A  specimen  of  the 
latter  I  brought  with  me  to  Cuba,  in  the  Java,  and  left  it  with 
Mr.  Shaler,  our  consul. 

The  August  number  of  the  Repository  for  1831,  is  nearly 
filled  with  the  learned,  profound,  and  comprehensive  speech  of 
Mr.  (now  Rev.)  R.  J.  Breckinridge,  delivered  before  the  Colo- 
nization Society  of  Kentucky,  at  Frankfort.  This  speech, 
while  it  embraces,  and  clearly  exhibits  the  great  leading  prin- 
ciples by  which  hereditary  slavery  is  condemned,  and  should, 
as  soon  as  possible  be  removed  from  society;  yet  is  too  indis- 
criminate in  denouncing  the  present  holders  of  slaves,  as 
though  they  had  it  in  their  power  at  once  to  relieve  themselves 
from  this  curse,  which  they  have  inherited  from  their  fore- 
fathers. Whatever  may  be  said  of  slavery  in  the  abstract,  no 
man  is  morally  bound  to  liberate  his  slaves,  unless  in  his  con- 
science, he  is  convinced,  that  he  can  place  them  in  a  better 
situation.  Again,  liberty  is  a  blessing  which  requires  certain 
qualifications  in  the  subject,  without  which  it  is  no  blessing, 
but  may  be  the  very  reverse.  Liberty,  therefore,  should  not 
be  granted  to  those  who  are  incapable  of  making  a  good  use 
of  it.  On  this  principle,  children,  minors,  idiots,  and  the  insane, 
are  better  without  liberty  than  with  it;  and  adults  may  be  in 
such  a  state  of  ignorance  and  moral  degradation,  that  their 
condition,  as  domestic  slaves,  is  far  better  for  them  than  unre- 
strained liberty.  They  are  incapable  of  self  government,  and 
of  providing  for  their  own  safety  and  subsistence.  Until  such 
persons  are  prepared  for  liberty  by  a  suitable  education,  there 
is  no  moral  obligation  on  any  one  to  bestow  liberty  upon  them. 
But  if  they  are  in  our  power,  we  are  under  obligations  to  do 
all  we  can  to  improve  their  condition.  And  when  freedom  is 
granted  to  such  as  have  been  long  in  bondage,  it  should  be 
granted  not  suddenly,  but  gradually.     The  attention  and  exer- 


360  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

tions  of  the  philanthropist  should  first  be  directed  to  the  improve- 
ment of  men,  before  it  aims  to  give  them  unrestrained  liberty. 

The  public  mind,  especially  in  the  southern  States,  was  greatly 
a^^itated  and  alarmed,  by  a  sudden  insurrection  of  the  negroes 
in  Southampton  county,  Virginia,  which  occurred  in  August, 
1S31.  This  insurrection  was  most  unexpected,  and  upon  careful 
inquiry,  was  found  to  be  confined  to  a  very  few  persons.  It 
originated  and  was  carried  into  effect  by  a  fanatical  preacher, 
called  Nat  Turner;  who,  having  enlisted  a  few  miserable,  de- 
luded slaves  in  his  preposterous  schemes,  fell  upon  a  number 
of  defenceless  families,  massaCreing  men,  women,  and  children 
indiscriminately.  They  rushed  from  house  to  house,  increasing 
their  number  by  the  sudden  terror  which  they  inspired,  and 
were  not  suppressed  until  they  had  murdered  more  than  sixty 
persons,  most  of  whom  belonged  to  respectable  and  peaceable 
families,  against  whom,  these  infuriated  miscreants  could  have 
had  no  cause  of  offence. 

It  is  not  surprising  that  such  an  event  should  produce  much 
excitement,  and  give  a  view  of  danger  not  commonly  appre- 
hended. When  the  legislature  of  the  State  of  Virginia  met  at 
the  close  of  the  year,  a  public  and  most  interesting  debate  was 
held  on  the  subject  of  slavery,  and  emancipation,  for  several 
weeks;  and  although  it  resulted  in  no  decisive  measures,  yet 
it  was  the  means  of  diffusing  much  light  through  the  commu- 
nity; and  some  measures  were  taken,  though  not  judiciously 
planned,  for  aiding  the  Colonization  Society  to  remove  the  free 
people  of  colour  from  the  State. 

The  brig  Criterion,  sailed  from  Norfolk  for  Liberia  on  the  2d 
of  August,  with  supplies,  and  forty-six  emigrants.  Of  these, 
thirty-nine  were  manumitted  by  the  following  persons,  respec- 
tively: eighteen  by  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Greenfield,  near  Natchez, 
Mississippi;  eight  by  Mr.  Williams,  of  Elizabeth  City,  North 
Carolina;  seven  by  General  Jacocks,  of  Perquimans  county, 
North  Carohna;  four  by  Thomas  Davis,  Montgomery  county, 
Maryland;  one  by  J.  W.  Green,  Esq.,  Kentucky;  one  by  H. 
Robinson,  Esq.,  Hampton,  Virginia;  the  remainder, except  Mr. 
Csesar  and  wife,  of  Philadelphia,  and  a  recaptured  African  from 
Georgia,  had  been  mider  the  care  of  the  Society  of  Friends, 
in  North  Carolina.  Of  these  liberated  slaves,  two  only  were 
above  forty  years  of  age,  and  thirty-one  were  under  thirty-five; 
and  twenty-two  were  under  twenty  years  of  age. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION.  361 

Towards  the  close  of  the  year  1831,  several  vessels  sailed 
from  the  United  States,  carrying  out  emigrants,  and  supplies  for 
the  colonists.  One  of  these  was  the  schooner  Margaret,  which 
the  Board  had  been  enabled  to  purchase,  by  means  of  a  loan 
granted  by  the  Pennsylvania  Colonization  Society.  This  beau- 
tiful new  vessel  sailed  from  Philadelphia  on  the  18th,  and  from 
Newcastle  on  the  21st  of  October.  Captain  Abels,  of  Phila- 
delphia, was  employed  as  master,  and  Mr.  Frazier,  of  Balti- 
more, as  mate,  and  her  crew  consisted  of  good  looking  coloured 
men,  one  of  whom  had  been  several  times  at  the  colony. 

The  only  emigrants  which  she  carried  out,  were  two  fami- 
lies; the  one,  that  of  the  Rev.  William  Johnson,  of  Hartford,  Con- 
necticut ;  the  other,  a  family  liberated  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Matthews, 
then  of  Shepherdstown,  Virginia.  This  venerable  man  in- 
curred an  expense  of  four  hundred  dollars,  to  secure  the  free- 
dom of  one  of  these  slaves,  that  he  might  remove  with  his  wife 
to  Liberia.     {Jifrican  Repository,  November,  1831,,  p.  284.) 

The  schooner  Orion  sailed  from  Baltimore  for  Liberia,  on 
Monday  the  26th  of  October,  with  between  thirty  and  forty 
emigrants,  all  from  Maryland.  The  funds  for  this  expedition 
were  raised  entirely  by  the  Auxiliary  Colonization  Society  of 
Maryland.  The  people  of  this  State  seemed  more  generally  to 
enter  into  the  scheme  of  colonizing  their  free  people  of  colour, 
than  any  other. 

Information  was  also  received  from  Mr.  R.  S.  Finley,  the 
agent  for  the  Western  States,  that  at  least  a  hundred  emigrants, 
within  his  knowledge,  were  willing  and  ready  to  depart  to 
Liberia.  Also,  that  a  fine  ship  had  been  chartered  to  carry  out 
a  number  of  emigrants,  by  Mr.  McPhail,  of  Norfolk.  Her 
name  was  The  James  Perkins. 

This  fine  ship  sailed  from  Norfolk  on  the  9th  of  December, 
with  three  hundred  and  thirty-nine  emigrants;  all  of  whom 
had  been  highly  recommended  for  intelligence,  good  morals, 
and  industrious  habits.  In  this  vessel,  though  the  number  was 
so  large,  they  had  the  most  ample  accommodations,  with  liberal 
supplies,  judiciously  laid  in.  Most  of  these  emigrants  were 
from  the  lower  parts  of  Virginia;  and  a  great  proportion  from 
Southampton  county,  the  scene  of  the  late  horrid  massacre. 

It  was  also  understood,  that  if  the  funds  requisite  were  in, 
hand,  another  expedition  of  as  great  a  number  might  be  easily 
fitted  out.     Mr.  McPhail,  who  attended  to  the  whole  business 
31 


362  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

of  fitting  out  this  vessel,  and  providing  for  the  emigrants,  has, 
by  his  zeal,  energy,  and  diligence,  laid  the  society  under  lasting 
obligations  for  his  services. 

Captain  A.  H.  Weaver,  ex-commander  of  the  brig  Henry 
Eckford,  having  spent  a  few  weeks  in  the  colony,  and  having, 
on  his  return,  met  with  Captain  Waters,  from  Salem,  mentioned 
the  unusual  mortality  which  had  occurred  among  the  emigrants, 
who  had  sailed  in  the  Carolinian.  ^This  report  was  noised  abroad 
to  the  injury  of  the  colony;  he,  therefore,  published  a  letter,  in 
which  he  gives  his  opinion,  not  only  of  the  climate  of  Liberia, 
but  of  the  general  condition  of  the  colony.  And  as  it  is  our 
object  to  exhibit  the  views  of  intelligent  and  impartial  men  on 
this  subject,  a  few  extracts  from  this  letter  will  here  be  given. 
"Nature  seems  to  have  ordained,  that  on  a  removal  from  a 
temperate  clime  to  the  torrid  zone  of  Africa,  in  order  to  be 
acclimated,  it  is  necessary,  in  most  cases,  to  pass  through  the 
ordeal  of  fever."  "It  is,  I  believe,  a  true  assertion,  that  the 
natives  of  that  part  of  the  coast  are  uncommonly  healthy — 
so  are  the  acclimated  emigrants.  In  future,  when  emigrants 
are  sent  there,  from  the  interior  of  the  country,  I  would  earnestly 
recommend,  that  the  detention  on  the  sea-board,  and  at  the 
mouth  of  the  St.  Paul's  and  Mesurado  rivers,  should  be  as  short 
as  possible.  By  transferring  them  measurably  beyond  the 
atmosphere  of  the  mangrove  swamps  at  the  mouth  of  these 
rivers,  I  have  no  doubt  their  health  will  be  protected  in  the 
ratio  that  the  change  of  situation  is  diminished. 

"  The  charge  of  unhealthiness  against  Liberia,  for  the  colour- 
ed races,  cannot  be  supported — it  is  the  birth-place  of  the  black 
man,  to  which  his  constitution  is  peculiarly  adapted;  and  though 
estranged  for  a  time  from  his  native  clime,  nature  will  undoubt- 
edly triumphantly  resume  her  sway,  whenever  he  returns  to 
the  land  of  his  fathers.  Africa  is  the  black  man's  home,  phy- 
sically. Morally  he  should  aspire  for  a  residence  within  her 
boundaries. 

"If  our  government  will  deign  to  foster  that  colony,  a  very 
short  time  will  suffice  to  render  it  of  great  importance  in  a  com- 
mercial point  of  view,  independent  of  home  considerations. 
Large  quantities  of  our  domestic  cotton  goods  are  already  con- 
sumed on  the  coast,  and  England  may,  in  a  few  years,  be  driven 
from  the  competition,  as  she  has  been  from  the  Cape  de  Verde 
Islands,  solely  from  our  fabrics  being  cheaper  and  more  service- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  363 

able.  There  are  millions  to  be  clothed  in  Africa,  and  they  have 
already  learned  to  discriminate  between  the  intrinsic  value  of  the 
coarse  productions  of  the  British  and  American  looms.  In  the 
tobacco  trade  we  can  have  no  rivals.  The  north  and  the  south 
are  deeply  interested  in  the  success  of  our  sable  colony.  The 
north  will  find  a  mart  for  her  surplus  manufactures,  and  the 
south  a  home  and  refuge  for  a  portion  of  its  population,  which 
every  good  citizen  must  wish  to  see  speedily  transferred  thither — 
I  mean  the  free  people  of  colour  of  the  United  States.  The  cost 
of  transportation  is  by  many  persons  of  intelligence  deemed  an 
insurmountable  barrier.  Avarice — the  avarice  of  England, 
brought  them  here.  Shall  we  make  the  painful  admission,  that 
that  vice  so  far  exceeds  the  combined  virtues  of  a  Christian  com- 
munity, as  to  render  its  deeds  irrevocable?  No  sir;  it  is  in  the 
power  of  the  American  people,  with  a  due  understanding  of 
the  case,  and  of  the  magnitude  of  the  object,  to  effect  much  by 
a  simultaneous  movement.  The  abolition  of  slavery  is  not 
supposed.  I  am  fully  aware  of  its  present  impracticability.  But 
allow  me  to  make  a  single  calculation  as  to  the  feasibility  of 
removing  the  free  coloured  population  of  the  twenty-four  States, 
from  this  country  to  Liberia.  That  population  I  will  assume  at 
three  hundred  thousand  souls,  requiring  six  hundred  ships  to 
transport  them,  men,  women,  and  children.  Six  thousand  dol- 
lars is  the  sum  for  which  a  ship  competent  to  the  voyage  can 
be  chartered.  Thus  we  have  a  sum  of  three  million  six  hun- 
dred thousand  dollars;  an  amount  of  money  requisite  to  dis- 
burden ourselves,  and  found  an  empire  in  Africa.  After  the 
payment  of  the  national  debt,  to  what  more  hallowed  purpose, 
and  more  to  the  glory  of  the  United  States  could  a  surplus 
revenue  be  applied?  Could  that  object  be  eftected,  gradual 
emancipation  would  probably  follow,  in  the  states  of  Dela- 
ware, Maryland,  and  Virginia,  upon  condition  of  transplan- 
tation in  Africa.  Each  state,  I  have  shown,  is  interested  in  the 
successful  colonization  of  Liberia." 


364  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 

EVENTS  OF  1832. 

The  fifteenth  anniversary  meeting  of  the  American  Coloniza- 
tion Society  was  held  on  Monday,  the  16th  of  January,  1S32, 
in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States. 
At  the  hour  of  meeting  the  hall  was  filled  to  overflowing  with 
an  assembly  composed  of  many  of  the  officers  of  government, 
members  of  both  Houses  of  Congress,  distinguished  strangers 
and  citizens,  and  a  large  number  of  the  ladies  of  the  metropolis. 

The  Hon.  Charles  F.  Mercer,  one  of  the  vice-presidents,  took 
the  chair. 

Among  the  earliest  communicatioas  made  to  this  meeting, 
were  letters  from  Lafayette,  from  James  Madison,  and  from 
John  Marshall.  It  cannot  but  be  gratifying  to  be  able  to  com- 
municate some  of  the  sentiments  of  Mr.  Madison,  and  that  near 
the  close  of  life,  on  this  interesting  subject.  After  mentioning 
the  difficulty  which  he  now  found  to  use  the  pen,  he  says,  "  I 
may  observe,  in  brief,  that  the  society  had  always  my  good 
wishes,  though  with  hopes  of  its  success  less  sanguine  than  were 
entertained  by  others,  found  to  be  better  judges;  and  that  I  feel 
the  greatest  pleasure  at  the  progress  already  made  by  the  society, 
and  the  encouragement  to  encounter  remaining  difficulties,  af- 
forded by  the  earlier  and  greater  ones  already  overcome.  Many 
circumstances,  at  the  present  moment,  seem  to  concur  in  bright- 
ening the  prospects  of  the  society,  and  cherishing  the  hope 
that  the  time  will  come,  when  the  dreadful  calamity  which 
has  so  long  afflicted  our  country,  and  filled  so  many  with  despair, 
will  be  gradually  removed,  and  by  means  consistent  with 
justice,  peace,  and  the  general  satisfaction:  thus  giving  to  our 
country  the  full  enjoyment  of  the  blessings  of  liberty,  and  to  the 
world  the  full  benefit  of  its  great  example.  I  never  considered 
the  main  difficulty  of  the  great  work  as  lying  in  the  deficiency  of 
emancipations,  but  in  an  inadequacy  of  asylums  for  such  a 
growing  mass  of  population,  and  in  the  great  expense  in  re- 
moving it  to  its  new  home. 


HISTORY    OP  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  365 

"The  spirit  of  private  manumission  as  the  laws  may  permit, 
and  the  exiles  may  consent,  is  increasing,  and  will  increase  ;  and 
there  are  sufficient  indications  that  the  public  authorities,  in 
slave-holding  States,  are  looking  forward  to  interpositions  in 
different  forms,  that  must  have  a  powerful  effect.  With  respect 
to  the  new  abode  for  the  emigrants,  all  agree  that  the  choice 
made  by  the  Society  is  rendered  peculiarly  appropriate,  by  con- 
siderations which  need  not  be  repeated;  and  if  other  situations 
should  be  found  eligible  receptacles  for  a  portion  of  them,  the 
prospects  in  Africa  seem  to  be  expanding  in  a  highly  encourag- 
ing degree." 

But  we  would  call  the  attention  of  our  readers  especially  to 
the  following  expression  of  opinion  of  this  clear-sighted  and 
upright  politician,  contained  in  the  same  letter. 

'•'  In  contemplating  the  pecuniary  resources  needed  for  the 
removal  of  such  a  number  to  so  great  a  distance,  my  thoughts 
and  hopes  have  been  long  turned  to  the  rich  fund  presented  in 
the  western  lands  of  the  nation,  which  will  soon  entirely  cease 
to  be  under  a  pledge  for  another  object.  The  great  one  in 
question  is  truly  of  a  national  character;  and  it  is  known  that 
distinguished  patriots,  not  dwelling  in  slave-holding  States,  have 
viewed  the  object  in  that  light,  and  would  be  willing  to  let  the 
national  domain  be  a  resource  in  effecting  it.  Should  it  be 
remarked,  that  the  States,  though  all  may  be  interested  in  re- 
lieving our  country  from  the  coloured  population,  are  not 
equally  so,  it  is  but  fair  to  recollect,  that  the  sections  most  to  be 
benefitted,  are  those  whose  cessions  created  the  fund  to  be  dis- 
posed of 

"  I  am  aware  of  the  constitutional  obstacle  which  has  pre- 
sented itself,  but  if  the  general  government  be  reconciled  to  the 
application  of  the  territorial  fund  to  the  removal  of  the  coloured 
population,  a  grant  to  Congress  of  the  necessary  authority  could 
be  carried,  with  little  delay,  through  the  forms  of  the  constitution. 

"  Sincerely  wishing  an  increasing  success  to  the  labours  of 
the  Society,  I  pray  you  to  be  assured  of  my  esteem,  and  to 
accept  my  friendly  salutations.  James  Madison." 

The  Hon.  Judge  Marshall,  in  his  letter,  read  at  the  same  time, 
goes  into  the  same  subject,  treated  by  Mr.  Madison,  respecting 
the  western  lands,  as  a  resource  from  which  the  necessary 
funds  for  the  purpose  of  transporting  the  people  of  colour  might 
be  derived.  He  says,  speaking  of  the  right  of  the  government 
31* 


366  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATIOX. 

to  aid  in  defending  the  coast  from  pirates,  and  putting  down  the 
slave-trade,  "  I  regret  that  its  power  to  grant  pecuniary  aid  is 
not  equally  free  from  question.  On  this  subject,  I  have  always 
thought,  and  still  think,  that  the  proposition  made  by  Mr.  King, 
in  the  Senate,  is  the  most  unexceptionable,  and  the  most  effec- 
tive that  can  be  devised.  The  fund  would  probably  operate 
as  rapidly  as  would  be  desirable,  when  we  take  into  view  the 
other  resources  which  might  come  in  aid  of  it ;  and  its  applica- 
tion would  be,  perhaps,  less  exposed  to  those  constitutional 
objections  which  are  made  in  the  South,  than  the  application  of 
money  drawn  from  the  treasury,  and  raised  by  taxes.  The 
lands  are  the  properly  of  the  United  States,  and  have  hereto- 
fore been  disposed  of,  by  the  government,  under  the  idea  of 
absolute  ownership.  The  cessions  of  the  several  States  con- 
veyed them  to  the  general  government,  for  the  common  benefit, 
without  prescribing  any  limits  to  the  judgment  of  congress,  or 
any  rule,  by  which  that  judgment  shall  be  exercised.  The 
removal  of  our  coloured  population,  is,  1  think,  a  common  ob- 
ject, by  no  means  confined  to  the  slave  States,  although  they 
are  more  immediately  interested  in  it.  The  whole  union  would 
be  strengthened  by  it,  and  relieved  from  a  danger  whose  extent 
can  scarcely  be  estimated." 

Among  the  distinguished  men  who  attended  this  meeting  and 
look  part  in  its  proceedings,  were  the  Hon.  Edward  Everett,  of 
Massachusetts,  Hon.  Mr.  Archer,  of  Virginia,  Hon.  Mr.  Mar- 
shall, of  Kentucky,  Rev.  Leonard  Bacon,  and  Rev.  D.  Fitch,  of 
New  Haven,  the  Hon.  Mr.  Bates,  of  Massachusetts,  and  the 
Hon.  Mr.  Vance,  of  Ohio. 

The  thanks  of  the  society  were  voted  to  J.  H.  McClure,  Esq., 
for  his  munificent  donation  of  ten  thousand  dollars. 

The  most  encouraging  intelligence  was  received  from  Liberia 
up  to  the  date  of  December,  1831,  by  the  brig  Criterion.  The 
emigrants  who  went  out  in  that  vessel,  after  a  tedious  passage, 
arrived  in  safety,  having  experienced  no  mortality  from  the 
effects  of  the  climate.  The  Liberia  Herald,  received  by  this 
arrival,  gave  a  very  flattering  account  of  the  increasing  trade 
and  enterprise  of  the  settlers.  After  mentioning  the  valuable 
products  of  Grand  Bassa,  the  Herald  observes: 

"The  beach  is  lined  with  Liberians  of  all  ages,  from  twelve 
to  fifty  years,  eager  in  the  pursuit  of  traffic,  and  in  the  acquisi- 
tion of  cam-wood ;   and  it  is  astonishing  what  little  lime  is 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  367 

necessary  to  qualify,  even  the  youngest,  to  drive  as  hard  a  bar- 
gain as  any  roving  merchant  from  the  land  of  steady  habits, 
with  his  assortment  of  tin-ware,  nutmegs,  books,  or  dry  goods." 
Captain  Abels,  a  pious  and  sensible  man,  who  went  out  in 
charge  of  the  colonial  brig  Margaret  Mercer,  having  returned 
to  Washington,  gave  his  views  of  the  colony  in  the  following 
interesting  letter: 

"Washington,  February  10,  1833. 

^^  Dear  Sir:  Having  just  arrived  in  the  United  States  from 
the  colony  of  Liberia,  to  which  place  I  went  as  master  of  the 
schooner  Margaret  Mercer,  and  where  I  remained  thirteen  days, 
during  which  time  I  was  daily  on  shore,  and  carefully  observed 
the  state  of  affairs,  and  inquired  into  the  condition  of  the  people, 
I  venture  to  state  some  facts  in  regard  to  the  circumstances  and 
prospects  of  the  colony.  On  the  14th  December  I  arrived,  and 
on  the  15th  went  on  shore,  and  was  received  in  the  most  polite 
and  friendly  manner  by  the  governor.  Dr.  Mechlin,  who  intro- 
duced me  to  the  ministers  and  principal  inhabitants.  All  the 
colonists  appeared  to  be  in  good  health.  All  my  expectations 
in  regard  to  the  aspect  of  things,  the  health,  harmony,  order, 
contentment,  industry,  and  general  prosperity  of  the  settlers, 
were  more  than  realized.  There  are  about  two  hundred  build- 
ings in  the  town  of  Monrovia,  extending  along  the  Cape  Mesu- 
rado,  not  far  from  a  mile  and  a  quarter.  Most  of  these  are 
good  substantial  houses  and  stores,  (the  first  story  of  many  of 
them  being  of  stone,)  and  some  of  them  handsome,  spacious, 
painted,  and  with  Venitian  blinds.  Nothing  struck  me  as  more 
remarkable  than  the  great  superiority,  in  intelligence,  manners, 
conversation,  dress,  and  general  appearance  in  every  respect,  of 
the  people  over  their  colonred  brethren  in  America.  So  much 
was  I  pleased  with  what  I  saw,  that  I  observed  to  the  people, 
should  I  make  a  true  report,  it  would  hardly  be  credited  in  the 
United  States.  Among  all  that  I  conversed  with,  /  did  not 
find  a  discontented  person,  or  hear  one  express  a  desire  to 
return  to  America.  I  saw  no  intemperance,  nor  did  I  hear  a 
profane  word  uttered  by  any  one.  Being  a  minister  of  the 
gospel,  on  Christmas  day  I  preached  both  in  the  Methodist  and 
Baptist  church,  to  full  and  attentive  congregations  of  from  three 
to  four  hundred  persons  in  each.  I  know  of  no  place  where 
the  Sabbath  appears  to  be  more  respected  than  in  Monrovia. 
I  was  glad  to  see  that  the  colonial  agent  or  governor  is  a 


368  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

constant  attendant  on  divine  service,  and  appears  desirous  of 
promoting  the  moral  and  religious  welfare  of  the  people.  Most 
of  the  settlers  appear  to  be  rapidly  acquiring  property;  and  I 
have  no  doubt  they  are  doing  better  for  themselves  and  their 
children  in  Liberia,  than  they  could  do  in  any  other  part  of  the 
world.  Could  the  free  people  of  colour  in  this  country  but 
see  the  real  condition  of  their  brethren  who  have  settled  in 
Africa,  I  am  persuaded  they  would  require  no  other  motive 
to  induce  them  to  emigrate.  This  is  my  decided  and  deliberate 
judgment.     Very  respectfully,  sir,  your  friend  and  servant, 

William  Abels." 

The  animated  and  protracted  debate  in  the  legislature  of 
Virginia,  this  winter,  was,  on  many  accounts,  a  very  remarka- 
ble event.  The  principal  speeches  delivered,  on  this  occasion, 
have  been  published ;  and  it  does  not  comport  with  the  plan  of 
our  work  to  go  into  any  details  respecting  this  interesting  trans- 
action. After  the  close  of  the  debate,  Mr.  Broadnax,  from  the 
select  committee  on  slaves  and  free  negroes,  reported  a  bill, 
"devising  the  ways  and  means  for  deporting  free  negroes,  and 
such  as  may  become  free,  to  Liberia,"  The  bill,  as  modified 
and  amended,  proposed  an  appropriation  of  ^35,000  for  the 
present  year,  and  $90,000  for  the  next,  to  be  expended  in  colo- 
nizing the  free  people  of  colour;  and  it  passed  the  House  of 
Delegates,  but  failed  in  the  Senate. 

On  the  30th  of  January,  the  following  resolution  was  reported 
from  the  select  committee  on  coloured  population,  in  the  House 
of  Delegates,  and  was  concurred  in : 

^^ Resolved,  That  it  is  expedient  to  apply  to  the  General  Go- 
vernment to  procure  a  territory  or  territories,  beyond  the  limits 
of  the  United  States,  to  which  the  several  States  may  remove 
their  free  coloured  population." 

At  the  same  time  the  legislature  of  Maryland  had  this  sub- 
ject under  consideration,  and  adopted  measures,  of  which  a  full 
account  will  be  given  in  its  proper  place. 

Even  in  congress  there  was  a  movement  beyond  that  to 
which  the  caution  of  the  national  legislature  had  permitted 
them  to  go  before.  The  following  resolution  offered  by  Mr. 
Jenifer,  of  Maryland,  with  some  other  colonization  papers,  was 
referred  to  a  select  committee. 

^'■Resolved,  That  a  select  committee  be  appointed  to  inquire 
into  the  expediency  of  making  an  appropriation  for  the  purpose 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  369 

of  removing  from  the  United  States  the  free  people  of  colour, 
and  colonizing  them  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  or  elsewhere." 

About  this  time,  occurred  one  of  the  most  horrid  instances 
of  merciless  barbarity,  which  can  be  found,  even  in  the  blood 
stained  annals  of  the  slave  trade.  It  appeared  sufficiently 
attested,  that  a  slaver  when  pursued  by  the  Fair  Rosamond 
and  Black  Joke,  tenders  to  the  frigate  Dryade,  actually  threw 
overboard  one  hundred  and  eighty  slaves,  manacled  together: 
four  of  whom  only  were  picked  up  ! ! 

Information  of  a  pleasing  kind  was  received  early  in  the 
year,  from  that  intrepid  and  devoted  friend  of  colonization, 
Elliott  Cresson,  Esq.,  who  had  paid  a  visit  to  England,  to  pro- 
mote those  just  views  in  regard  to  the  scheme  of  colonization 
which  were  entertained  in  America.  It  appeared  that  he  had 
been  very  successful  in  awaking  the  attention  and  sympathies 
of  the  English  nation  to  the  importance  of  the  great  scheme  of 
philanthropy,  in  which  the  society  is  engaged.  This  visit  of 
Mr,  Cresson  originated  in  the  impulse  of  his  own  benevolent 
feelings,  and  was  entirely  at  his  own  expense. 

The  return  of  the  James  Perkins,  brought  favourable  accounts 
from  Liberia.  Captain  Crowell  arrived  there  after  a  quick 
passage  of  thirty-five  days,  and  landed  three  hundred  and  forty- 
five  emigrants,  all  in  good  health.  The  captain  states,  that  he 
had  far  less  trouble  with  them  on  the  passage  than  he  expected, 
and  that  they  were  during  the  voyage,  almost  perfectly  exempt 
from  disease.  They  were  immediately  transferred  to  Caldwell, 
and  appeared  well  satisfied  with  their  own  accommodations, 
and  with  all  that  they  saw  in  the  colony.  The  favourable 
impressions,  relative  to  the  colony,  made  on  the  minds  of  the 
natives,  appeared  to  be  increasing  daily.  Applications  were 
continually  received  requesting  settlements  to  be  made  on 
different  points  on  the  coast. 

At  the  close  of  the  last  year,  a  small  expedition  for  Liberia, 
was  set  on  foot,  in  the  western  States,  under  the  auspices  and 
direction  of  Mr.  R.  S.  Finley,  the  society's  indefatigable  agent. 
The  vessel  chartered  was  the  schooner  Crawford,  Captain  Taylor, 
which  sailed  from  New  Orleans,  and  arrived  at  Monrovia,  after 
a  long  passage  of  sixty  days,  carrying  out  twenty-three  emi- 
grants, under  the  care  of  Dr.  Shane  of  Cincinnati. 

Dr.  Todsen,  the  colonial  physician,  gave  a  very  favourable 
account  of  his  success  in  the  treatment  of  the  fever,  and  con- 
cluded by  saying,  "that  it  was  as  much  under  the  control  of 


370  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

medicine,  as  a  bilious  fever,  in  the  United  States."  He  also 
said,  "I  think  Millsburg  an  excellent  site  for  those  who  may 
be  disposed  to  cultivate  the  soil.  At  this  time,  where  many 
spots  at  Caldwell,  and  all  at  the  cape  are  withered  for  want  of 
rain,  all  is  verdant  and  fresh  about  Millsburg." 

In  the  month  of  May,  of  the  current  year,  (1832,)  the  ship 
Jupiter  took  her  departure  from  Norfolk  for  Liberia,  with  one 
hundred  and  seventy  emigrants;  ninety-one  of  whom  were 
manumitted  slaves.  Of  these,  forty-six  were  liberated  by  the 
will  of  D.  Bradley,  of  Georgia ;  fourteen  by  Joseph  A.  Gray,  Esq,, 
of  Halifax  county,  North  Carolina;  fourteen  by  Mr.  Stewart, 
of  Marlborough  District,  South  Carolina;  three  by  Dr.  Wilson, 
of  Smithfield,  Virginia;  seven  by  George  Reynolds,  Esq.,  of 
Jefferson  county,  Virginia;  and  nine  by  Thomas  0.  Taylor,  of 
Powhatan  county,  Virginia.  Of  the  whole  number,  fourteen 
were  between  thirty  and  forty  years  of  age;  thirty-one  between 
twenty  and  thirty;  and  ninety-nine,  under  twenty  years.  As 
a  company,  they  were  represented  to  be  very  intelligent  and 
respectable;  and  promised  by  their  industry,  sobriety, and  good 
sense,  to  add  strength  to  the  colony. 

Dr.  Shane,  who  went  out  in  the  schooner  Crawford,  to  take 
care  of  the  emigrants  from  the  West,  gave  a  very  favourable 
account  of  the  state  of  the  colony,  and  the  contentedness  of  the 
people. 

Dr.  Mechlin,  the  colonial  agent,  paid  a  visit,  in  the  early  part 
of  the  year,  with  a  view  to  negotiate  with  the  chiefs  of  Grand 
Bassa  for  the  purchase  of  a  territory  at  the  mouth  of  the  St. 
John's  river.  After  a  fatiguing  journey  he  arrived  at  the  place, 
and  made  the  purchase  on  very  favourable  terms.  The  pur- 
chase-money was  paid  in  hand,  and  a  deed  for  the  land  obtained. 
This  was  an  acquisition  of  great  value,  as  will  appear  more 
clearly  in  the  sequel. 

Hostilities  had  been  threatened  by  King  Brumley,  but  the 
prospect  of  war  appeared  to  have  passed  away  by  the  death 
of  this  old  man.  Soon,  however,  it  was  found  that  the  Dey 
tribe,  and  some  others,  were  combining  their  forces ;  and  it  v/as 
not  long  before  acts  of  violence  were  committed  on  some  of 
the  colonists  and  some  of  the  recaptured  Africans,  one  of  whom 
made  his  escape  from  them,  and  came  to  the  colony,  very  badly 
wounded.  A  messenger  was  sent  to  King  Willey,  to  demand 
the  release  of  those  colonists  and  recaptured  Africans,  then  con- 


HISTORY   OP   AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  371 

fined  in  his  town;  but  they  treated  him  with  contempt,  and 
tore  up  the  letter,  of  which  he  was  the  bearer,  and  told  him  to 
inform  the  agent,  that  they  would  seize  and  imprison  every 
colonist  they  could  fall  in  with.  On  the  day  following,  they 
appeared  on  the  banks  of  the  St.  Paul's,  opposite  Caldwell, 
blowing  their  war-horns,  firing  their  muskets,  and  challenging 
the  colonists  to  the  combat.  After  a  consultation,  it  was  re- 
solved to  send  a  company  of  the  recaptured  Africans,  well 
armed,  to  seize  on  the  chiefs,  then  assembled  at  Willey's  Town, 
holding  a  palaver  on  the  best  method  of  attacking  the  colony. 
Accordingly,  about  one  hundred  recaptured  Africans  crossed 
the  river,  and  took  up  the  line  of  march  for  King  Willey's  Town, 
but  on  approaching  the  place,  they  found  a  large  force  already 
assembled,  and  after  a  little  skirmishing  were  driven  back,  and 
retreated  with  the  loss  of  one  man.  The  enemy  were  highly 
elated  by  this  partial  success;  and  after  barricading  their  town, 
they  sent  word  to  the  colonists,  that  if  they  did  not  speedily 
meet  them  in  the  field,  they  would  attack  Caldwell,  and  Mills- 
burg,  which  they  deemed  themselves  strong  enough  to  destroy. 
The  Dey  and  Gurra  tribes  were  acting  in  combination,  and  it 
was  evident,  that  unless  effectual  resistance  was  speedily  made, 
the  whole  of  these  tribes  would  be  in  arms  against  the  colony. 
The  agent,  therefore,  determined  to  march  against  them  at  once, 
and  destroy  their  fortified  town,  and  give  them  such  chastise- 
ment as  would  deter  them  from  ever  molesting  the  colony  again. 
Accordingly,  he  left  Monrovia,  on  the  20th  of  June,  with  part 
of  the  volunteer  companies,  under  the  command  of  Captains 
Stewart  and  Weaver,  and  part  of  the  militia  under  the  com- 
mand of  Captain  Brander.  The  whole  force  amounted  to 
eighty  men.  They  took  with  them  also,  a  light  field  piece. 
At  Caldwell,  where  they  encamped  the  first  night,  they  were 
joined  by  Captain  Nixon's  volunteer  company,  and  a  part  of 
the  Caldwell  militia,  under  command  of  Captain  Thompson, 
amounting  in  all,  to  seventy  men — also  the  recaptured  Africans, 
to  the  number  of  one  hundred  and  twenty.  These  were  placed 
under  the  command  of  Captain  E.  Johnson.  The  whole  force 
amounted  to  two  hundred  and  seventy  men.  They  proceeded, 
the  first  day,  to  Brumley's  Town,  which  they  took  possession  of 
without  opposition,  and  encamped  for  the  night,  intending,  next 
day,  to  make  an  attack  on  their  barricaded  town.  Next  morn- 
ing the  little  army  took  up  the  line  of  march  to  King  Willey's 


372  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Town,  where  it  was  understood  the  enemy  had  assembled  in 
great  force.  The  route  from  Brumley  to  King  Willey's,  was 
very  fatiguing,  and  in  many  places  completely  obstructed  by 
large  trees  which  had  fallen  across  tlie  path,  and  which  it  was 
necessary  to  cut  through  and  remove,  before  they  could  bring 
forward  the  field  piece.  In  some  places,  they  had  to  cut  a  way 
around  obstructions  which  could  not  be  removed.  On  account 
of  these  difficulties,  the  army  was  seven  hours  in  marching  ten 
miles.  After  the  middle  of  the  day,  a  heavy  discharge  of 
musketry  gave  notice  that  the  recaptured  Africans,  who  had 
proceeded  in  advance,  were  engaged  with  the  enemy.  The 
field  piece  was  immediately  pushed  forward,  and  soon  they 
found  themselves  in  front  of  the  barricade,  distant  only  twenty- 
five  or  thirty  yards.  They  immediately  opened  fire,  and  after 
a  few  discharges,  forced  the  enemy  to  abandon  their  position 
in  front.  The  pioneers  now  rushed  forward  under  the  cover  of 
the  field  piece,  and  cut  through  the  barricade;  so  that  the  field 
piece  was  pushed  into  the  enclosure, and  the  town  was  gained: 
the  enemy  having  escaped  through  the  opening  in  the  rear. 
The  position  was  well  chosen,  and  had  it  been  well  defended, 
must  have  cost  great  loss,  before  it  could  have  been  carried. 
The  barricade  was  constructed  of  logs,  fifteen  feet  in  length, 
with  the  interstices  filled  with  smaller  logs,  so  as  to  be  com- 
pletely proof  against  musketry.  Numerous  loopholes  were 
left,  through  which  they  pointed  their  guns;  and  a  small  three- 
pounder  was  so  placed,  as  to  rake  the  approach  to  the  town  ; 
which,  on  the  other  side,  was  fortified  by  a  kind  of  chevaux  de 
frize,  formed  by  the  branches  and  trunks  of  trees  cut  down  and 
placed  on  the  original  dense  undergrowth,  so  as  to  render  it 
absolutely  impervious.  Behind  this,  they  had  placed  a  strong 
force  to  take  the  assailants  in  flank,  should  they  attempt  to  force 
the  barricade.  Captain  Johnson,  observing  this,  ordered  his 
men  immediately  to  fire  into  the  ambuscades,  which  they  did 
with  such  effect  as  to  dislodge  the  enemy,  with  the  loss  of  seve- 
ral killed  and  wounded  ;  while  those  within  the  barricade,  were 
thrown  into  such  confusion  that  they  fired  very  much  at  ran- 
dom, and  most  of  the  shot  passed  over  the  heads  of  the  assailants. 
The  loss  of  the  colonists  on  this  occasion  was  one  killed, 
Lieut.  James  Thompson,  who  was  shot  while  attempting  to 
storm  the  barricade,  and  three  wounded,  two  slightly,  and  one 
severely.     On  the  part  of  the  enemy  there  were  fifteen  killed, 


HISTORr    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  373 

and  a  great  number  wounded.  The  instigator  of  the  war  was 
shot  through  the  shoulder,  while  in  the  very  act  of  applying  the 
match  to  the  three-pounder.  This  was  a  most  fortunate  occur- 
rence, for  had  this  field-piece  been  fired,  it  must  have  carried 
destruction  into  the  front  ranks  of  the  colonists;  for  it  was  found 
to  be  loaded  nearly  to  the  muzzle,  with  bits  of  iron  bolts,  pot 
metal,  &c.,  and  was  so  placed  as  to  rake  their  position  as  they 
approached;  and  they  were  within  twenty-five  yards  of  its 
mouth,  crowded  together  in  a  narrow  space,  so  that  the  fire 
must  have  been  very  destructive.  The  battle  commenced  at 
half-past  one  o'clock,  and  at  two  o'clock  the  colonists  were  ia 
possession  of  the  town;  which  the  recaptured  Africans  could 
not  be  restrained  from  firing,  as  they  did  also  Brumley's  Town, 
the  same  evening.  The  troops  marched  back  to  Caldwell,  and 
passed  the  night,  and  then  proceeded  to  Monrovia,  where  Lieut. 
Thompson  was  interred  with  the  honours  of  war. 

It  was  not  long  before  messengers  arrived  from  King  Willie  and 
King  Brister,  to  sue  for  peace.  They  acknowledged  themselves 
unable  to  contend  with  the  colonists,  and  were  willing  to  make 
every  concession  and  reparation,  for  the  insults  and  injuries 
which  they  had  inflicted  on  the  colony.  They  were  told  by 
Dr.  Mechlin  that  if  the  Dey  Kings  wanted  peace,  they  must 
come  to  the  Cape  themselves,  when  the  terms  on  which  it  could 
be  obtained  would  be  made  known  to  them.  Accordingly,  in 
a  short  time  the  Kings,  Brister,  Sitma,  Ba  Bey  or  King  Long 
Peter,  and  Kai,  or  King  Jemmy,  presented  themselves.  King 
Willie  sent  his  representative  Baugh,  or  New  Peter.  They 
readily  agreed  to  the  terms  proposed,  and  a  treaty  of  peace  was 
signed  the  following  day. 

The  effects  of  this  victory  on  all  the  native  tribes  was  most 
salutary.  They  had  deemed  it  impossible  for  the  colonists  to 
transport  artillery  through  the  dense  forests  of  Africa.  The 
determination  to  attack  at  once  their  fortified  town,  which  was 
considered  by  them  impregnable,  struck  them  with  consternation, 
and  fully  convinced  them  that  they  could  not  cope  with  the 
trained  companies  of  the  colony.  And  the  distant  settlements, 
established  at  Cape  Mount  and  Grand  Bassa,  would  be  much 
safer  from  molestation  than  if  these  events  had  not  occurred. 

The  condition  of  the  colony  in  May  1832,  may  be  satisfac- 
torily learned  from  the  following  letter  of  Dr.  Mechlin,  the 
32 


374  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

colonial  agent,  which,  although  it  repeats  some  events  already 
mentioned,  is  inserted  entire. 

"  Liberia,  May  lat,  1832. 

"Gentlemen: — In  reviewing  the  events  of  the  past  year,  we 
have  every  reason  to  be  grateful  for  the  many  signal  and  provi- 
dential favours  which  our  colony  has  experienced.  No  period 
since  its  first  establishment,  presents  us  with  more  abundant 
proofs  of  its  substantial  and  increasing  prosperity ;  and  at  no 
period  have  we  had  more  cause  to  offer  up  our  sincere  and 
grateful  acknowledgments  to  that  Divine  Being,  whose  good- 
ness has  been  so  bounteously  extended  to  this  rising  community. 

"  Health — that  greatest  of  blessings — has  never  been  more 
universally  enjoyed.  The  disease  of  the  climate,  so  much 
dreaded  by  strangers,  and  to  the  ravages  of  which  so  many 
have  fallen  victims,  has,  by  the  unremitted  and  undivided  atten- 
tion of  the  colonial  physicians,  been,  in  a  great  measure,  depriv- 
ed of  its  terrors,  and  made  to  yield  to  the  well-directed  efforts  of 
professional  skill.  The  average  number  of  deaths  that  have 
occurred  among  the  emigrants  who  have  arrived  since  the  first 
of  January,  1831,  will  not  exceed  four  per  cent. — a  result  not 
only  gratifying,  but  unprecedented  in  the  annals  of  the  colony, 
and  which  cannot  but  reflect  the  highest  credit  on  the  profes- 
sional attainments  of  those  entrusted  with  their  medical  super- 
intendence. 

"  Our  agriculture,  the  vigorous  and  successful  prosecution 
of  which  is  of  such  vital  importance,  and  on  which  the  pros- 
perity of  this  colony  must  ultimately  depend,  has  received  a 
new  impulse,  and  is  no  longer  considered  of  secondary  impor- 
tance; the  people  seem  now  to  be  duly  sensible  of  the  necessity 
of  devoting  their  energies  to  the  advancement  of  this  branch  of 
industry,  and  our  settlements  present  every  where  the  cheering 
evidence  of  laudable  enterprise  and  durable  improvement. 
Most  of  the  emigrants  who  arrived  in  the  few  last  expeditions, 
have  already  the  promise  of  their  labours  being  rewarded  by 
abundant  crops.  You  will  also  be  gratified  to  learn,  that  seve- 
ral of  our  most  respectable  citizens  have  turned  their  attention  to 
the  cultivation  of  cofiee,a  plant  indigenous  to  the  country,  and 
which  is  every  where  to  be  met  with  near  the  sea  coast,  grow- 
ing in  the  richest  luxuriance.  The  Rev.  C.  M.  Waring  expects 
to  have  a  plantation  of  twenty  thousand  trees  shortly  comple- 
ted; and  there  is  every  reason  to  believe,  that  the  influence  of 


HISTORY    OP   AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  375 

SO  laudable  an  example  will  be  widely  diffused.  Cotton  and 
indigo  are  also  the  spontaneous  productions  of  our  soil,  and  will, 
when  the  efforts  of  those  possessed  of  a  little  capital  shall  have 
been  directed  to  their  cultivation,  prove  valuable  articles  for 
exportation,  and  yield  to  the  agriculturist  the  highest  reward 
for  his  labours.  But  unless  our  people  entertain  more  enlarged 
and  hberal  views,  I  fear  they  will  not,  at  least  for  some  time, 
avail  themselves  of  these  advantages;  at  present,  few  of  those 
possessed  of  capital  are  willing  to  embark  in  any  enterprise 
from  which  they  do  not  expect  to  reap  great  and  immediate 
profits;  nor  can  they  be  made  to  understand  that  by  thus  invest- 
ing a  portion  of  their  funds  (now  wholly  devoted  to  the  pur- 
poses of  trade),  they  cannot  fail  of  being  amply  recompensed, 
and  eventually  open  to  themselves  great  and  never  failing 
sources  of  gain.  I  have,  however,  great  hopes  the  experiments 
now  making  will  convince  the  people  that  they  have  within 
themselves  the  means  of  acquiring  wealth,  and  will  induce 
them,  by  a  judicious  employment  of  their  time  and  money, 
more  fully  to  develope  the  resources  of  the  country,  and  render 
themselves  independent  of  foreign  aid.  Articles,  important  in 
a  commercial  point  of  view,  are  produced  in  abundance,  at  no 
great  distance  from  this  settlement;  but  for  want  of  sufficient 
enterprise  and  capital  to  facilitate  their  transportation  to  the 
sea  coast,  they  must,  at  least  for  some  time,  remain  without  our 
being  able  to  avail  ourselves  of  the  advantages  afforded  by  their 
proximity. 

"  The  commerce  of  the  colony  has  also  partaken  of  the  gen- 
eral improvement,  and  surpassed  that  of  the  preceding  year. 
Within  this  period,  fifty-nine  vessels  have  visited  our  port  for 
the  purposes  of  traffic;  of  these,  thirty-two  were  American, 
twenty-five  English,  and  two  French.  Our  exports  amounted 
to  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  five  hundred  and 
forty-nine  dollars  and  sixteen  cents,  and  the  amount  of  produce 
and  merchandize  on  hand,  on  the  1st  of  January,  1832,  was 
forty-seven  thousand  four  hundred  dollars.  The  articles  of  ex- 
port consisted  chiefly  of  camwood,  ivory,  palm-oil,  tortoise  shell, 
and  some  gold,  procured  of  the  natives  of  the  interior,  and  at 
various  places  along  the  coast.  The  trade  with  the  interior  has 
also  been  proportionably  increased,  and  our  town  is  now  be- 
coming a  place  of  resort  for  natives  from  the  Condo  country,  and 
countries  beyond,  bordering  on  Foota  Jallou.     The  Mandingoes 


376  HISTOUY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

also  visit  ns  in  considerable  numbers,  and  are  the  means  of 
making  us  known  to  the  nations  of  the  interior. 

"By  the  provisions  of  a  treaty  lately  concluded  with  the 
kings  and  chiefs  of  the  Dey  tribe,  still  greater  facilities  will  be 
afforded  to  this  branch  of  commerce;  it  being  expressly  stipula- 
ted in  that  treaty,  that  the  natives  of  the  interior,  resorting  to 
the  colony  for  the  purposes  of  trade,  should  be  allowed  a  free 
passage  through  their  territory.  From  this  privilege  they  were, 
in  a  great  measure,  heretofore  debarred,  as  the  natives  of  the 
Dey  country,  with  a  view  wholly  to  monopoHze  the  trade, 
either  refused  them  a  passage  through  their  country,  or  charged 
them  such  enormous  duties,  that  few  could  venture  to  visit  us. 

"It  is  a  source  of  great  gratification  to  be  enabled  to  state, 
that  the  condition  of  our  pubhc  schools  is  highly  promising;  the 
report  for  the  third  and  fourth  quarters  of  the  past  year  will 
afford  satisfactory  evidence  of  the  efficiency  of  our  present 
school  regulations;  and  there  only  remains  towards  their  com- 
pletion, that  some  provision  should  be  made  for  the  education 
of  our  recaptured  Africans.  These  have  been  urgent  in  their 
request  for  the  establishment  of  a  free  school  at  their  settlement, 
and  a  want  of  funds  has  alone  prevented  me  from  acceding  to 
their  demand.  Such  an  institution  would,  I  am  convinced,  be 
productive  of  the  most  beneficial  results;  the  manners  and 
habits  of  those,  at  present  in  a  semi-barbarous  state,  would  be 
more  assimilated  to  our  own;  sources  of  jealousy  and  prejudice 
would  be  removed,  and  the  civilization  of  the  neighbouring 
tribes,  connected  as  they  are  by  similarity  of  language  and 
habits,  with  many  of  these  people,  would  be  rendered  of  com- 
paratively easy  attainment.  I  would  therefore  beg  leave  to 
invite  your  early  attention  to  this  subject,  and  trust  you  will  be 
enabled  to  obtain  funds  sufficient  to  accomplish  so  desirable  an 
object. 

"  Our  relations  with  the  surrounding  native  tribes  have,  with 
one  exception,  continued  to  be  of  the  most  amicable  kind. 
The  great  and  increasing  intercourse  between  the  colony  and 
the  different  nations  bordering  on  our  territory,  the  earnest  de- 
sire manifested  on  our  part  to  render  such  intercourse  mutually 
beneficial,  by  preserving  a  uniform  course  of  justice  towards 
them,  and  aiding  in  all  the  improvements  calculated  to  exalt 
their  condition,  and  impart  to  them  the  blessings  of  civilization, 
has  done  much  towards  the  removal  of  all  unfriendly  prejudice. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  377 

and  bound  them  more  closely  to  us  by  the  ties  of  interest,  and 
will,  doubtless,  by  preventing  the  recurrence  of  causes  of  irrita- 
tion, ensure  their  perfect  and  permanent  tranquillity. 

"In  the  latter  part  of  January  last,  availing  myself  of  a  sea- 
son of  comparative  leisure,  I  visited  Grand  Bassa,  convened  the 
chiefs,  and  made  such  arrangements  with  them  as  will  secure 
to  us  the  peaceable  possession  of  a  considerable  portion  of  that 
fertile  district.  Negotiations  were  also  entered  into  with  the 
Kings  at  Grand  Cape  Mount,  resulting  in  the  cession  to  us  of 
a  part  of  that  country,  the  possession  of  which  has  been  deem- 
ed by  my  predecessors  in  office,  of  such  vital  importance. 

"  The  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  settlement  of  these 
two  points,  have  been  stated  in  a  former  communication,  and 
need  not  be  repeated;  but  I  will  merely  remark,  that  in  point 
of  salubrity,  commercial  and  agricultural  advantages,  they  are 
not  surpassed  by  any  on  the  whole  western  coast,  being  of  easy 
access  from  the  sea,  abounding  in  articles  of  trade  and  subsist- 
ence, and  possessing  a  soil,  the  fertility  of  which  promises  the 
richest  rewards  to  the  labour  of  the  husbandman.  We  have 
every  reason  to  congratulate  ourselves  on  so  valuable  an  acqui- 
sition to  our  territorial  limits. 

"In  the  management  of  the  fiscal  concerns  of  the  agency,  the 
most  rigid  economy,  consistent  with  the  welfare  of  the  colony, 
has  been  observed;  yet  owing  to  the  unusual  number  of  emi- 
grants who  have  arrived,  the  necessity  of  providing  for  their 
comfortable  accommodation,  the  expenses  consequent  on  the 
negotiations  with  the  windward  and  leeward  tribes,  as  well  as 
those  incident  to  the  completion  of  such  preliminary  measures 
as  were  necessary  to  our  occupying  our  newly  acquired  terri- 
tory, the  expenditures  of  the  past  will  exceed  those  of  any  pre- 
ceding year;  nor  can  we  indulge  any  reasonable  hope  that  they 
will,  in  future,  undergo  any  diminution :  on  the  contrary,  the 
great  influx  of  emigrants,  which  the  late  energetic  measures  of 
the  states  of  Virginia  and  Maryland  will,  in  all  probability, 
occasion,  the  expense  necessarily  incident  to  our  keeping  up 
separate  establishments  at  Cape  Mount  and  Grand  Bassa,  as 
well  as  the  expenses  consequent  upon  the  enlargement  of  our 
territorial  limits,  and  increase  of  population,  will  swell  the  dis- 
bursements of  the  present,  and  proportionally  increase  those  of 
each  succeeding  year. 

"  The  negotiations  with  the  windward  and  leeward  tribes  for 
32* 


378  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  enlargement  of  our  territory,  the  late  war  with  the  Bey  peo- 
ple, and  the  increasing  current  business  of  the  agency,  occasion- 
ed by  the  large  accessions  of  emigrants  we  have  received  with- 
in these  few  months  past,  have  so  multiplied  my  duties,  that  I 
could  not,  possibly,  without  neglecting  business  of  pressing 
importance,  make  the  surveys  of  the  neighbouring  country,  or 
institute  the  inquiries  and  examinations  necessary  to  enable  me 
to  comply  with  the  wishes  of  the  Board,  as  expressed  in  the 
resolution  of  the  14th  March,  1831.  During  my  journey  to 
Grand  Bassa,  I  managed  to  ascertain  the  course  and  size  of  the 
principal  branches  of  the  Junk  and  St.  John's  rivers,  and  at  the 
same  time  noted  the  quality  of  the  soil,  elevation,  &c.,  of  the 
different  sections  of  country  through  which  I  travelled,  and 
trust,  at  some  future  period,  to  be  able  to  furnish  you  with  a 
map  of  the  colony  more  accurate  than  the  one  you  now  possess, 
and  likewise  give  such  information  respecting  its  topography 
as  will  be  useful  and  interesting. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  most  respectfully,  your  obedient 
servant, 

J.  Mechlin,  Jr." 

In  a  more  recent  communication,  from  the  same  person, 
dated  July  13,  1832,  information  is  given  of  the  arrival  of  the 
Jupiter,  with  the  emigrants,  most  of  whom  were  sent  immedi- 
ately to  Caldwell,  where  they  would  undergo  their  seasoning, 
and  where  their  lands  would  be  allotted  to  them.  In  this  letter 
he  says:  "  The  agriculture  of  the  colony  is  more  promising  than 
ever.  Many  of  the  emigrants,  who  have  arrived  within  these 
five  months  past,  have  made  great  improvements,  and  have  the 
prospect  of  abundant  crops.  The  mechanics  have  generally 
preferred  residing  in  town,  and,  accordingly,  have  had  their 
building  lots  assigned  them."  With  respect  to  the  farmers,  he 
had  so  far  changed  the  plan  of  treating  them,  as  to  assign  them 
their  farms  as  soon  as  they  arrived,  even  before  they  were  accli- 
mated ;  which  he  supposed  would,  in  several  respects,  answer 
a  good  purpose,  especially  in  preventing  habits  of  idleness.  He 
mentions  a  visit  paid  to  the  recaptured  Africans,  and  was 
much  pleased  with  their  settlement.  The  occasion  of  this 
visit  was,  that  both  the  Eboes  and  Congoes  had  several  times 
attempted  to  choose  a  chief  without  success:  the  minority  re- 
fusing to  submit  to  the  choice  of  the  majority.  Dr.  Mechlin 
presided  at  the  election,  and  explained  to  their  people  the  reason- 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  379 

ableness  and  necessity  of  acquiescing  in  the  will  of  the  majo- 
rity, after  which  they  appeared  to  be  perfectly  satisfied. 

"These  people,"  says  he,  "occupy  two  very  neat  and  well 
built  villages,  near  the  east  bank  of  Stockton  creek,  and  dis- 
tant from  Caldwell  about  three  miles.  A  small  rivulet  sepa- 
rates the  Ebo  from  the  Congo  village.  Each  tribe  have  built, 
by  voluntary  subscription,  and  joint  labour,  a  house  of  worship, 
and  a  town  or  palaver-house.  Their  gardens  are  well  inclosed; 
in  which  are  successfully  cultivated,  beans,  cabbages,  melons, 
yams,  &c.  These  they  dispose  of  at  the  Cape,  in  exchange  for 
such  articles  as  their  necessities  require.  Adjacent  to  the  vil- 
lage, but  separated  from  it  by  a  strong  fence,  are  their  farms,  at 
present  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  I  saw  one  tract  of  a  hun- 
dred and  fifty  acres  planted  in  cassada,  interspersed  with  patches 
of  Indian  corn  and  sweet  potatoes.  Their  vegetables  appeared 
to  be  very  thriving,  and  will,  without  doubt,  yield  abundant 
crops.  These  people  are  decidedly  the  most  contented  and  in- 
dependent of  any  in  the  colony,  and  are  rapidly  improving  in 
intelligence  and  respectability.  They  not  only  raise  sufficient 
for  their  own  consumption,  but  have  considerable  surplus  pro- 
duce, for  which  they  find  a  ready  market.  When  not  employed 
in  the  cultivation  of  their  farms,  they  turn  their  attention  to  the 
sawing  of  timber  and  making  shingles.  Many  of  the  Congo 
tribe  can  read,  and  have  established  a  Sunday-school,  which  is 
regularly  attended  by  both  children  and  adults;  those  who 
have  received  any  education  officiating  as  teachers  to  the  others 
not  possessed  of  that  advantage.  These,  as  well  as  the  Eboes, 
are  very  desirous  that  a  school  shall  be  established  among 
them." 

Two  men,  Messrs.  Simpson  and  Moore,  were  sent  out  to  visit 
the  colony,  by  the  free  people  of  colour  of  Natchez,  and  to  bring 
them  a  faithful  report  of  the  country.  This  was  a  truly  judi- 
cious course  to  obtain  satisfaction,  and  if  pursued  by  others,  we 
have  no  doubt  it  would  tend  to  dissipate  many  unfounded  pre- 
judices. These  men  remained  but  a  short  time,  yet  they  made 
a  good  use  of  their  time,  and  visUed  with  care  the  upper  settle- 
ments, and  collected  such  information  as  would  be  satisfactory 
to  their  friends  at  home.  They  appeared  to  be  much  pleased 
with  the  colony;  and  returned  home  in  the  ship  Jupiter.  In 
a  card  pubhshed  in  New  York,  after  their  return,  they  use  the 
following  language:  "  During  a  residence  of  nearly  three  weeks 


380  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION". 

in  the  colony,  we  visited  the  four  principal  settlements,  in  all 
which  we  found  the  colonists  healthy,  well  pleased  with  their 
situation,  and  improving  their  circumstances  very  rapidly.  A 
uniform  expression  of  gratification,  that  they  had  found  a  place 
of  freedom  and  comfort  in  Africa,  was  made  without  exception. 
Such  was  the  impression  on  our  minds  of  the  advantages  of 
emigration  to  this  colony,  that  we  have  determined  to  report 
favourably  of  the  object  to  the  society  which  sent  us  out ;  and 
as  the  best  testimony  of  our  full  persuasion  of  its  great  advan- 
tages, have  determined  to  settle  our  business  and  remove  to 
Liberia  the  first  opportunity.  We  see  our  brethren  there,  free- 
men, and  advanced  to  the  full  privilege  of  unrestrained  enter- 
prise and  Christian  liberty.  Gloster  Simpson, 

Archy  Moore. 
New  York,  September  11,  1832." 

The  history  of  the  colony  may  be  said  to  be  truly  eventful: 
it  is  made  up  of  disasters  and  propitious  events.  The  number 
of  valuable  lives  which  have  been  sacrificed  in  this  enterprise 
of  benevolence  is  indeed  great;  and  this  alone  has  indeed  caused 
us  sometimes  to  pause,  and  inquire,  is  the  object  worth  such  an 
expense?  This  question  can  be  better  answered  one  hundred  or 
two  hundred  years  hence.  The  same  question  might  have  been 
asked  with  as  much  force,  when  our  shores  were  first  colonized. 
If  the  project  is  successful,  of  which  there  is  every  reason  to 
hope,  there  will  be  no  hesitation  in  answering,  that  the  laying 
the  foundation  of  a  great,  a  Christian,  and  a  civilized  republic  in 
Africa,  will  abundantly  repay  all  losses  and  sacrifices  of  every 
kind.  When  persons  of  exalted  philanthropy  die  in  the  prose- 
cution of  a  noble  and  benevolent  object,  they  leave  behind  an 
example  which  blesses  future  generations ;  and  they  themselves 
cannot  be  losers  by  exchanging  this  world  for  a  better. 

These  remarks  have  been  elicited  by  the  death  of  Hannah 
Kilham,  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  in  England,  who 
several  times  visited  Liberia,  at  her  own  expense,  with  the 
view  of  promoting  Christian  education  among  the  people.  Her 
death  took  place  at  sea,  on  her  passage  to  Sierra  Leone,  off  the 
Plantain  Islands,  a  short  distance  from  the  colony.  There  is  in 
the  African  Repository  for  September,  1832,  an  excellent  letter, 
which  this  benevolent  woman  wrote  to  her  friends,  after  she 
had  spent  some  time  in  the  colony;  but  as  it  contains  no  new 
facts,  our  limits  do  not  admit  of  its  insertion. 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION".  38l 

Among  the  interesting  transactions  which  attended  the  visit 
of  Elliott  Cresson,  Esq.,  to  Great  Britain,  was  a  long  letter  ad- 
dressed to  him  on  the  subject  of  African  colonization  by  that 
venerable  philanthropist,  Mr.  Clarkson,  who  has  devoted  his 
life  to  the  benefit  of  the  African  race.  This  letter  contains  a 
full  expression  of  Mr.  Clarkson's  favourable  opinion  of  the 
objects  contemplated  by  the  American  Colonization  Society. 
Indeed,  he  seems  to  have  had  a  distinct  view  of  the  benefits 
which  would  accrue  from  the  establishment  of  a  colony  on  any 
part  of  the  coast  of  Africa;  first,  as  it  relates  to  the  effect  pro- 
duced upon  the  natives,  in  the  vicinity;  and,  secondly,  in  dis- 
couraging the  slave-trade.  And  he  proposes,  what  is  now  going 
rapidly  into  effect,  the  establishment  of  other  colonies,  all  along 
the  coast,  from  Sierra  Leone  to  Cape  Palmas.  After  expressing 
strongly  his  approbation  of  the  plan,  he  admonishes  the  friends 
of  colonization,  that  these  good  effects  can  only  be  expected  in 
case  the  colonists  are  of  good  character;  and  expresses  a  fear, 
that  when  emigrants  should  become  numerous,  they  would  not 
be  such  as  would  make  industrious,  and  orderly  citizens,  in  such 
a  community.  He  also  enters  into  a  calculation  to  show,  that 
no  scheme  of  colonization  can  be  expected  to  be  so  large  as  to 
give  a  hope  that  all  the  coloured  people  of  the  United  States 
can  be  transported  to  Africa. 

It  was  during  this  year  of  general  prosperity  in  the  affairs  of 
the  Colonization  Society,  that  a  spirit  of  unrelenting  opposition 
to  the  cause,  arose  from  the  friends  of  immediate  emancipation; 
many  of  whom  had  once  been  favourers  of  colonization.  They 
favoured  it  in  the  hope  that  it  would  sooner  or  later  come  out 
boldly  in  opposition  to  slavery;  but  finding  that  the  society  con- 
tinued to  adhere  to  its  original  and  declared  principles,  and  that 
slaveholders  were  found  among  their  most  efficient  patrons,  they 
began  to  denounce  the  Colonization  Society  in  language  the 
most  severe  and  vituperative. 

The  leader  in  this  hostile  attack,  was  Mr.  Garrison,  who 
published  a  large  book  against  African  colonization,  entitled. 
Garrison's  Thoughts  on  African  Colonization.  Of  this  work, 
the  editor  of  a  paper  in  the  city  of  New  York,  says,  "the 
boldness,  the  magnitude,  and  the  severity  of  his  charges  against 
the  society  are  truly  astonishing."  This  work  seemed  at 
once  to  arouse  the  feelings  of  many  persons,  who  with  zeal 
embraced  Mr.  Garrison's  views;  among  these  were  found  min- 


382  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

isters  of  the  gospel,  and  men  and  women  of  irreproachable 
character.  This  was  the  origin  of  what  is  now  called,  Aboli- 
tionism. Abolitionists  had  existed  in  great  numbers  before, 
and  had  formed  abolition  societies;  but  these  were  a  peaceable 
and  reflecting  people,  who  looked  at  consequences,  and  attempt- 
ed to  produce  no  agitation,  and  employed  no  denunciation,  but 
waited  for  and  embraced  any  opportunities  which  offered,  to 
defend  the  liberty  of  such  as  might  be  illegally  held  in  bondage. 
But  the  party  which  now  arose,  and  which  has  become  so  pow- 
erful as  to  cause  their  influence  to  be  felt  in  political  questions, 
and  which  makes  adherence  to  their  principles  a  test,  by  which 
they  require  candidates  for  office  to  be  tried  before  they  will 
give  them  their  votes,  are  of  recent  origin.  They  have  also,  in 
some  cases,  made  abolition  principles  a  religious  test,  requiring 
as  a  term  of  communion,  a  profession  of  opinions  in  accordance 
with  their  own.  Their  principles  are  perfectly  simple,  and  if 
sound,  will  go  far  to  authorize  their  action  in  regard  to  this  mat- 
ter. They  lay  it  down  as  their  first  principle,  that  slave-holding 
is  a  sin  against  God,  in  all  conceivable  circumstances;  and, 
therefore,  that  immediate  emancipation  is,  in  all  cases,  a  duty, 
without  regard  to  consequences.  Their  maxim  is,  '■^ruat  ccelum, 
justitia  fiat. "  And  the  fiercest  wrath  of  this  party  was  direct- 
ed against  the  Colonization  Society,  as  the  abettors  of  slavery; 
and  as  holding  out  to  the  slave-holder  a  soothing  plaster  to 
his  conscience,  by  which  he  was  kept  in  peace,  while  living  in 
the  practice  of  this  crying  sin;  and  as  satisfying  the  moderate 
friends  of  emancipation,  by  presenting  to  them  a  delusive  pros- 
pect of  indirectly  promoting  the  abolition  of  slavery,  whilst,  in 
fact,  they  were  doing  more  to  rivet  the  chains  of  the  slaves  than 
all  other  persons. 

Mr.  Garrison's  zeal  was  not  satisfied  by  his  written  publica- 
tions in  this  country,  but  as  Mr.  Cresson  was  in  England,  and 
successfully  winning  favour  to  the  cause  there,  Mr.  Garrison 
determined  to  follow  him,  and  counteract  his  influence,  by  pre- 
senting his  own  views.  And  the  British  nation,  being  at  this 
time  agitated  to  the  centre,  with  their  own  plan  of  universal 
emancipation  in  their  colonies,  it  is  not  wonderful,  that  many 
of  the  ardent  anti-slavery  men,  were  ready  to  fall  in  with  Gar- 
rison's sentiments;  which  seemed  to  be  more  in  accordance 
with  the  strong  tide  of  feeling  which  pervaded  a  large  portion 
of  the  empire,  than  the  plan  of  colonization,  which  must  of 


HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  383 

necessity  be  very  slow  in  its  operation,  and  against  which,  the 
opposition  of  the  free  people  of  colour  in  the  United  States 
began  to  be  strongly  excited.  These  two  ardent  spirits,  Cresson 
and  Garrison,  had  several  opportunities  to  exhibit  their  respec- 
tive schemes  and  views  before  large  assemblies  of  British 
people,  with  various  success. 

It  was  not  long  before  a  large  anti-slavery  society  was  formed 
in  the  United  States,  the  centre  of  which  was  New  York,  and 
agents  were  appointed  to  deliver  lectures,  and  collect  funds 
for  the  society,  and  several  presses  were  engaged  to  make 
the  advocacy  of  their  peculiar  sentiments,  their  main  object. 
Pamphlets  also  were  written,  and  exaggerated  narratives  of 
cruelty  to  slaves,  accompanied  with  pictorial  representations, 
were  not  only  circulated  in  the  free  States,  but  sent  by  mail, 
and  in  other  wa^s,  in  great  numbers,  to  the  Southern  States. 

Some  of  the  pamphlets  written  were  of  an  atrocious  character, 
calculated  to  stir  up  the  slaves  to  insurrection.  It  is  not  known, 
however,  that  the  Anti-slavery  Society,  or  its  authorized  agents 
were  accessary  to  the  publishing  and  circulation  of  these  incen- 
diary productions.  However  violent  their  spirit,  they  always 
professed  an  abhorrence  of  bloodshed  and  violence.  Their 
own  publications,  however,  were  looked  upon  in  the  South  as 
incendiary  in  their  character,  and  as  a  blow  aimed,  not  only 
at  their  domestic  institutions,  but  at  the  existence  of  their  safety 
and  peace. 

Alarm  and  indignation  spread  through  the  southern  country 
like  an  electric  shock.  In  some  instances  lawless  acts  of  vio- 
lence were  resorted  to,  against  persons  suspected  of  abolition- 
ism, or  found  in  possession  of  any  of  the  books  or  pamphlets 
of  the  Anti-slavery  Society.  Such  publications,  in  Charleston, 
were  seized  by  the  citizens,  from  the  post-office,  and  com- 
mitted to  the  flames ;  and  as  soon  as  the  legislatures  of  the 
slave-holding  States  met,  they  enacted  severe  laws  against  the 
publication  or  circulation  of  any  prints  of  the  aforesaid  descrip- 
tion. The  effect  on  the  people  of  the  South,  in  regard  to  slavery, 
was  the  very  opposite  of  that  aimed  at ;  sentiments  more  favour- 
able to  the  continuance  and  even  perpetuity  of  slavery,  began 
now  to  be  very  commonly  entertained;  whereas,  before,  such 
sentiments  were  scarcely  ever  heard. 

The  society  had  hitherto  been  remarkably  happy  in  the  good 
character  and  industrious  habits  of  the  emigrants,  sent  out  to 


384  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Liberia;  but  towards  the  close  of  this  year,  1832,  we  meet  with 
a  lamentable  exception.  In  the  brig  America,  one  hundred  and 
twenty-eight  emigrants  arrived  at  Monrovia,  under  the  care  of 
Captain  Abels.  Of  these  the  colonial  agent  speaks  in  the 
following  terms:  "With  respect  to  the  character  of  the  people 
composing  the  expedition,  I  regret  to  be  compelled  to  state,  that 
with  the  exception  of  those  from  Washington  city,  the  family 
of  Pages  from  Virginia,  and  a  few  others,  they  are  the  lowest 
and  most  abandoned  of  their  class.  From  such  materials  it  is 
vain  to  expect  that  an  industrious,  intelligent,  and  enterprising 
community  can  possibly  be  formed.  The  thing  is  utterly  im- 
practicable, and  they  cannot  but  retard,  instead  of  advancing 
the  prosperity  of  the  colony.  Captain  Abels  who  brought 
them  out,  can  and  will  give  you  a  more  detailed  and  accurate 
account  of  their  moral  character,  than  I  can  possibly  do,  as 
they  have  been  but  a  short  time  under  my  immediate  notice." 

In  the  same  despatch,  the  agent  gives  the  following  account 
of  the  colony,  "I  am  happy  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  state, 
that  the  condition  of  our  public  schools  is  highly  prosperous. 
The  settlement  of  Grand  Bassa  is  in  progress,  and  should 
nothing  untoward  intervene,  will  be  in  full  operation  as  soon 
as  the  rains  have  ceased.  From  the  last  advices  from  Mr. 
Weaver,  who  is  there  superintending  the  erection  of  buildings, 
I  learned,  that  every  thing  will  be  ready  for  the  reception  of 
settlers  in  five  or  six  weeks.  He,  moreover,  stated  that  the 
principal  men  of  the  country  were  very  friendly,  and  the  few 
who  manifested  a  disposition  to  prevent  our  occupying  the 
country,  from  their  being  specially  interested  in  the  slav  etrade, 
finding  they  could  not  intimidate  us  by  threats,  have  ceased  all 
opposition.  The  health  of  the  colony  is  good,  and  most  of 
those  who  arrived  in  the  ship  Jupiter  have  gone  through  their 
seasoning,  but  with  very  few  deaths." 

About  this  time,  a  letter  was  published  in  the  Liberator,  a 
paper  edited  by  WilUam  Lloyd  Garrison,  giving  a  very  unfa- 
vourable account  of  the  colony,  and  particularly  contradicting 
some  of  the  statements  made  to  a  committee  of  Congress  by 
Mr.  Devany,  of  which  an  account  was  given  in  its  proper  place. 
The  agent  seemed  to  think  thai  the  letter  was  a  sheer  fabrica- 
tion ;  as  there  were  no  persons  in  the  colony  whom  he  could 
suspect  of  penning  a  statement  so  utterly  unfounded  in  fact  as 
this  letter  contained.     Mr.  Devany,  however,  judged  it  proper 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  385 

to  answer  these  false  statements,  so  far  as  they  affected  the 
answers  which  he  had  given  to  questions  put  to  him  at  Wash- 
ington. He  says:  "  If  such  a  letter  was  written,  it  must  have 
been  by  one  of  the  most  lawless  of  our  citizens — and  a  friend 
only  to  lies  and  disturbance.  But  a  citizen  he  was  not,  nor  a 
person  acquainted  with  the  colony;  for  in  his  own  letter  he 
stated,  that  he  had  not  fulfilled  those  obligations  which  consti- 
tute one  a  citizen  of  Liberia.  And  it  is  only  from  such  aban- 
doned wretches,  that  Mr.  Garrison  appears  to  obtain  his  infor- 
mation to  prejudice  the  good  and  orderly  coloured  people  in  the 
United  States,  against  our  colony.  And  I  am  sure  they  ought 
to  be  aware  of  it.  I  am  not  a  prophet,  but  I  feel  no  doubt  in 
saying,  that  Mr.  Garrison  is  the  greatest  enemy  that  the  coloured 
people  have,  for  he  is  only  preparing  a  net  for  their  destruc- 
tion," &c. 

In  presenting  to  our  readers  the  true  condition  of  the  colony, 
dependence  has  not  been  implicitly  placed  on  the  accounts  of 
the  agents,  or  colonists;  but  the  opinion  of  intelligent,  impar- 
tial visiters  has  been  resorted  to.  Accounts  of  this  kind  have 
already  been  given  from  a  number  of  commanders  of  vessels, 
to  which  will  now  be  added  an  extract  from  a  letter  of  Captain 
Crowell  addressed  to  Mr.  Gurley,  the  corresponding  secretary 
of  the  society. 

"During  my  stay,  I  was  daily  on  shore  ;  and  although  I  did 
not  visit  the  interior  towns,  yet  I  was  assured  by  Dr.  Hall  and 
others,  that  they  were  even  more  flourishing  than  Monrovia; 
which,  to  say  the  least,  far  exceeded  my  most  sanguine  expecta- 
tions. And  I  would  here  remark,  that  the  natural  situation 
of  the  colony,  has  a  very  striking  contrast,  in  my  opinion,  with 
that  of  our  forefathers,  who  landed  on  Plymouth  Rock,  inas- 
much as  the  latter  had  the  rigours  of  the  long  and  tedious  New 
England  winters  to  combat,  together  with  numerous  hordes  of 
hostile  savages ;  and  far  beyond  the  reach  of  any  friendly  power 
to  alleviate  their  sufferings.  Yet  what  blessings  are  the  many 
millions  of  us  now  enjoying,  as  the  fruit  of  their  patient  perse- 
verance !  The  Liberian  colonist,  on  the  contrary,  has  a  climate 
uniformly  warm,  but  by  no  means  so  hot  or  uncomfortable  as 
I  was  led  to  suppose,  from  the  geographical  situation  of  the 
country;  the  thermometer  rising  no  higher  than  83°  during  my 
stay;  and  with  a  very  few  exceptions,  I  am  inclined  to  believe 
that  the  natives  are  very  well  pleased  with  the  increasing  growth 
33 


386  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

and  importance  of  the  colony;  and  that  no  fears  need  be  enter- 
tained of  any  serious  encroachment  from  them.  To  these  ad- 
vantages may  be  added  that  of  a  most  rich  and  promising  soil, 
well  adapted  to  the  culture  of  all  the  tropical  productions. 

"  On  the  Sabbath,  I  attended  public  worship  at  the  Baptist 
church,  and  heard  a  very  impressive  and  useful  sermon  from 
Mr.  Waring,  one  of  the  colonists,  whose  hearers  were  numer- 
ous, and  the  whole  service  performed  with  that  devout  and 
serious  attention  and  good  order  so  conspicuous  in  the  churches 
of  our  own  country. 

"  I  would  further  remark,  that  during  my  stay,  I  did  not  hear 
a  single  discontented  expression  from  any  one  :  all  with  whom 
I  conversed,  appearing  happy  in  their  situation,  and  pleased 
both  with  the  country  and  government." 

Numerous  applications  were  made  to  the  society  by  slave- 
holders, in  several  of  the  southern  States,  to  know  whether 
they  would  receive  and  transport  their  slaves,  if  emancipated, 
to  Liberia. 


CHAPTER  XXIL 

AFFAIRS  OF  THE  COLONY  IN  1833, 

As  the  philanthropists  of  Great  Britain  had  set  us  the  example 
of  colonization  on  the  coasts  of  Africa,  it  might  have  been 
expected,  that  they  would  liave  hailed  with  delight  a  similar 
enterprise,  commenced  by  the  friends  of  the  African  race,  in 
America.  And,  at  first,  and  to  a  certain  extent^  this  was  rea- 
lized ;  but  the  reason  why  the  English  people  took  less  interest 
in  the  scheme,  and  why  Mr.  Cresson  met  with  less  success  in 
raising  funds  than  might  have  been  expected,  is  so  candidly 
and  sensibly  explained  in  the  letter  of  Dr.  Hodgkin,  that  it  is 
inserted  entire. 

"  New  Broad  Street,  London,  7th  mo.  4th,  1832. 

^'Respected  Friend: — In  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your 
diploma,  making  me  a  life  member  of  your  African  Coloniza- 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  387 

tion  Society,  I  wish  not  merely  to  thank  you  for  the  honour 
you  have  done  me,  and  congratulate  you  on  the  highly  encour- 
aging and  increasingly  satisfactory  reports  received  from  various 
witnesses,  respecting  the  progress  of  the  colony  of  Liberia ;  but 
also,  to  offer  a  few  remarks  which  seem  called  for,  from  me  as 
a  foreigner,  and  more  especially  as  a  British  member  of  the 
association. 

"  The  cause  of  the  oppressed  African  race,  has  long  been 
espoused  by  advocates,  at  least  as  numerous  and  as  warmly 
interested  on  this,  as  on  your  side  of  the  Atlantic.  It  might, 
therefore,  be  very  reasonably  anticipated,  that  a  measure  calcu- 
lated at  once  to  render  some  compensation  to  those  who  have 
been  forcibly  expatriated  and  unjustly  held  in  bondage,  or  to 
their  descendants,  and  likewise  striking  at  the  root  of  the  Afri- 
can slave  trade,  would  have  been  hailed  with  general  applause, 
and  met  with  liberal  support  among  us.  My  present  object  is 
to  explain  some  of  the  reasons  which  have  unhappily  rendered 
this  feeling  so  limited  amongst  us. 

"Those  who,  at  a  distance,  form  a  judgment  of  individuals 
with  whom  they  are  personally  unacquainted,  labour  under 
the  great  disadvantage  of  being  led  to  form  their  opinions  from 
general  and  sweeping  observations,  which  though  they  may  be 
true,  as  such,  may  be  very  unjust  and  erroneous  when  applied 
to  particular  cases.  I  know  from  very  extensive  observation, 
as  well  as  from  personal  experience,  that  the  national  character, 
attributed  to  you,  of  entertaining  a  degrading  contempt  for  the 
African  race,  founded,  not  on  the  reports  of  prejudiced  travel- 
lers, but  on  American  evidence,  has  been  the  powerful  and  at 
first  the  not  altogether  unreasonable  cause  that  the  friends  of 
the  Africans  in  this  country  have  looked  with  some  degree 
of  jealousy  and  suspicion  at  the  measures  which  you  have 
adopted — They  could  not  help  regarding  it  as  a  part  of  that 
same  system  which  blots  your  land  of  liberty.  It  is  not,  I 
repeat,  unreasonable  that  the  scheme  of  African  Colonization 
should  at  first  suffer  from  the  prejudice  which  this  system  is 
calculated  to  excite.  The  illusion  is  giving  way;  the  process 
is  now  slow  and  partial,  but  it  will  soon  be  rapid  and  general. 
I  am  well  satisfied  that  the  unfortunate  prejudice  which  you 
did  not  excite,  and  which  you  cannot  at  once  remove,  is  one  of 
the  many  reasons  in  favour  of  your  colonization  in  Africa. 
Though  it  may  seem  like  giving  way  to  and  fostering  that 


388  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

prejudice,  on  which  account  it  has  been  objected  to  by  many 
individuals  in  this  country,  yet   it   must   ultimately   tend   to 
remove  it,  whilst  it  will  have  the  certain  and  important  effect 
of  rendering  emancipation  popular  amongst   you.      Another 
reason  which  may  be  assigned  for  the  fact,  that  your  laudable 
exertions  have  met  with  so  little  support  from  British  funds,  is 
to  be  found  in  the  circumstance  that  although  the  cause  of  the 
oppressed  African  is  one  which  obtains  almost  universal  inte- 
rest in  this  country,  yet  very  large  demands  having  been  made 
on  the  liberality  of  the  public,  connected  with  it,  which  seem 
to  have  a  more  direct  and  legitimate  claim  on  the  inhabitants 
of  this  realm;  many  who  highly  approve  of  your  operations 
feel  themselves  excused  from  contributing  to  that  which  they 
consider  as  peculiarly  yours,  and  for  which  they  conceive  that 
your  flourishing  country  possesses  abundant  and  unincumbered 
resources.      I   have   trespassed  on  your  time  with  this  long 
explanation,  lest  some  of  us  in  this  country  should,  like  your- 
selves, be   labouring   under  the  disadvantage  of  having   our 
views  and  actions  misunderstood.  It  may  also  in  some  measure 
account  for  the  visible  results  of  the  operations  of  my  valued 
friend  Elliott  Cresson  being  so  greatly  disproportioned  to  the 
activity  and  zeal  with  which  he  is  perseveringly  engaged  for 
the  promotion  of  your  undertaking.     He  has,  I  believe,  per- 
formed more  than  can  at  once  become  apparent,  and  I  trust 
that  many  like  myself  are  prepared  to  admit  the  change  which 
has  taken  place  in  their  sentiments  with  respect  to  Liberia. 

"  Before  I  conclude,  I  would  offer  a  suggestion  which  I  hope 
will  not  be  attributed  to  impertinent  interference.  Though  I 
am  far  from  wishing  you  to  compromise  the  success  of  your 
exertions  by  a  direct  attack  upon  the  prejudices  of  your  country- 
men, yet  it  is  very  desirable  that  you  should  not  only  carefully 
watch  against  the  adoption  of  any  act  or  expression  which 
may  be  construed  into  a  symptom  that  such  a  feeling  has  any 
hold  amongst  you,  and  also  that  you  should  take  advantage  of 
the  important  proofs  which  you  are  constantly  producing  to 
counteract  it. 

"I  am,  with  cordial  good  wishes  for  the  continued  prosperity 
and  success  of  your  benevolent  undertaking,  and  unfeigned 
esteem  for  its  supporters,  thy  respectful  friend. 

Thomas  Hodgkin,  M.  D." 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  389 

Still,  Mr.  Cresson's  visit  to  England  had  an  important  effect. 
It  led  many  persons  to  correct  views  on  the  subject  of  Ameri- 
can colonization ;  and  although  the  benefactions  there,  were 
not  numerous,  they  were  liberal,  and  very  important  to  the 
society  in  the  embarrassed  state  of  their  finances. 

The  sixteenth  annual  meeting  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society,  was  held  in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 
on  the  20th  of  January,  1833.  A  very  large  and  crowded 
assembly  of  the  citizens  of  Washington,  and  of  distinguished 
strangers  from  every  part  of  the  United  States  convened,  at  an 
early  hour,  when  the  Hon.  C.  F.  Mercer,  one  of  the  vice-presi- 
dents, was  called  to  the  chair.  In  the  beginning  of  their  re- 
port, read  at  this  meeting,  the  Board  of  Managers  record  with 
suitable  expressions  of  sorrow,  the  loss  of  the  second  presi- 
dent of  the  society,  Charles  Carroll  of  CaroUton,  the  last  sur- 
viving subscriber  to  the  Declaration  of  American  Independence. 
They  also  noticed  with  suitable  regret,  the  sudden  decease  of 
B.  L.  Lear,  one  of  their  own  number,  "  In  whose  character," 
they  remark,  "  the  strictest  principles  of  honour  and  integrity 
were  united  with  the  gentlest  and  kindest  feelings  of  the  human 
heart.  The  powers  of  his  vigorous  and  well  disciplined  mind 
were  ever  usefully  employed,  and  his  duties,  social  and  public, 
discharged  with  ardent  zeal  and  rare  fidelity.  Frank  and  fear- 
less in  the  avowal  of  his  own  opinions,  he  considered  with 
candour  the  opinions  of  others,  granting  to  them  every  right 
which  he  claimed  for  himself.  Firmly  convinced  of  the  im- 
portance of  this  society,  he  attended  regularly  at  the  meetings 
of  the  managers;  cheerfully  subtracting  large  portions  of  time 
from  the  duties  of  an  arduous  profession,  and  employing  them 
to  aid  a  cause  that  promised  in  his  judgment,  magnificent  con- 
tributions to  the  freedom,  virtue,  and  happiness  of  mankind." 

The  report  mentions  the  acquisition  of  valuable  territory  at 
Grand  Bassa,  and  also  at  Cape  Mount.  Of  the  former,  some 
account  has  already  been  given;  of  the  latter,  they  say:  "The 
territory  here  ceded  to  the  society,  is  situated  at  a  short  distance 
from  the  sea,  on  the  shore  of  a  lake  about  twenty  miles  in 
length,  navigable  for  small  vessels,  and  into  which  flow  several 
rivers,  affording  important  facilities  for  commerce  with  the  in- 
terior. The  chiefs  of  the  country,  who  are  thought  to  be  more 
advanced  in  civilization  than  any  other  south  of  Sierra  Leone, 
33^ 


590  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

have  granted  an  unquestionable  title  to  this  land,  on  the  sole 
condition  that  settlers  shall  be  placed  upon  it,  and  that  schools 
shall  be  established  for  the  benefit  of  native  children.  Some  of 
these  chiefs  having  obtained  the  rudiments  of  an  English  edu- 
cation in  Ijiberia,  expressed  earnest  desires  that  the  benefit  of 
instruction  should  be  afforded  to  their  countrymen,  and  the 
young  men  declared  their  purpose  of  submitting  to  the  laws  of 
the  colony,  and  their  willingness  to  make  further  grants  of  land, 
to  any  extent  desired,  whenever  the  terms  of  the  present  con- 
tract shall  be  fulfilled.  The  spot  selected  for  a  settlement  is  said 
to  be  healthy,  and  the  soil  capable  of  producing  almost  every 
thing  of  value  that  grows  within  the  tropics." 

The  account  of  the  liealth  of  the  colony,  as  given  in  this 
report,  is  exceedingly  favourable.  "The  health  of  the  colony," 
say  the  managers,  "has  never  been  better  or  more  general,  than 
during  the  last  year.  The  skilful  and  unremitted  efforts  of  the 
colonial  physicians  have  been  remarkably  successful,  and  greatly 
diminished  the  danger  to  which  newly  arrived  emigrants  are 
exposed;  and  there  are  the  best  grounds  for  hope,  that  more 
experience,  the  clearing  of  the  lands,  and  the  early  removal  of 
such  emigrants  to  stations  at  some  distance  from  the  coast,  will 
still  further  reduce  the  danger  resulting  from  the  influence  of 
the  climate."  The  remark  of  Dr.  Todsen,  colonial  physician, 
inserted  in  the  report,  is,  "that  the  mortality  little  exceeds  that 
experienced  in  the  most  healthy  parts  of  the  world.  Had  these 
people  been  transported  to  England,  or  any  other  European 
soil,  the  probability  is,  that  the  number  lost  would  have  been 
equal."  Again :  "  I  have  no  doubt,  that  even  emigrants  from  the 
north,  if  they  be  placed  and  provided  for  in  a  proper  manner, 
may,  with  few  exceptions,  be  carried  safely  through  the  fever, 
and  enjoy  the  same  health  as  in  the  United  States." 

The  Board  had  been  already  desirous  of  turning  the  atten- 
tion of  the  people  more  to  agriculture;  and  in  order  to  promote 
this  object,  offered  premiums  to  such  as  would  raise  the  best 
crops.  These  efforts  were  not  altogether  without  effect,  for  it 
is  here  reported,  "that  the  colonists  had  become  generally  and 
deeply  sensible  of  the  primary  importance  of  agriculture.  The 
attention  of  several  of  the  most  respectable  colonists  has  been 
turned  to  the  cultivation  of  coffee,  and  twenty  thousand  trees 
had  been  planted  by  a  single  individual.  Commerce  also," 
they  go  on  to  say,  "has  advanced  during  the  year,  and  new 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  391 

avenues  for  communication  and  trade  have  been  opened  with 
the  tribes  of  the  interior.  Caravans  from  a  considerable  dis- 
tance have  visited  the  colony,  and  the  people  of  the  Dey  country 
have  agreed  to  permit  traders  to  pass  without  delay  or  molesta- 
tion, through  their  territories  to  the  colonial  settlements.  By  the 
treaty  they  have  signed,  the  whole  channel  of  trade  with  the 
remote  tribes  is  left  clear,  which  must  increase  greatly  both 
its  measure  and  value.  During  the  year,  fifty-nine  vessels  had 
visited  the  port  of  Monrovia,  of  which  thirty-two  were  Ameri- 
can, twenty-five  English,  and  two  French.  The  exports  during 
the  same  period,  consisting  chiefly  of  camwood,  ivory,  palm  oil, 
tortoise  shell,  and  gold,  amounted  to  more  than  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  thousand  dollars;  their  imports  to  eighty  thousand. 
The  colony  is  becoming  known  to  tribes  far  remote  from  the 
coast,  and  Mandingo  traders  and  others  have  visited  it  from  the 
borders  of  Foota  Jallo." 

Concerning  the  progress  of  education  also,  this  report  is  very 
satisfactory.  There  is  a  general  desire  in  the  colonists  for  the 
acquisition  of  knowledge.  "There  are,"  says  the  report,  "six 
day  schools  for  children,  and  one  evening  school  for  adults,  com- 
prising altogether  two  hundred  and  twenty-six  pupils.  The  two 
female  schools — one  at  Monrovia,  the  other  at  Caldwell — are 
attended  by  ninety-nine  girls,  and  the  salaries  of  their  respectable 
teachers  defrayed  by  a  society  of  benevolent  ladies  in  Philadel- 
phia. Inadequacy  of  funds  alone  has  prevented  the  establish- 
ment of  schools  among  the  recaptured  Africans,  who  are  im- 
portunate for  the  means  of  education;  but  the  Board  rejoice  to 
learn,  that  the  charity  of  the  ladies  just  mentioned  will  satisfy 
the  wishes  of  these  Africans;  and  that,  under  their  patronage, 
a  teacher  for  them,  of  competent  abilities  and  excellent  charac- 
ter, has  already  sailed  for  Liberia.  Many  of  these  people  can 
now  read,  and  a  Sunday  school  has  been  established  among 
them;  some  of  their  own  number  acting  as  teachers." 

This  interesting  report  next  notices  the  subject  of  a  high 
school,  to  prepare  teachers;  and  also  to  educate  men  for  the 
various  offices  in  the  colony.  Towards  such  an  institution, 
several  valuable  donations  had  been  made;  two  thousand  dol- 
lars by  a  single  person,  Henry  Sheldon,  Esq.,  of  New  York,  and 
four  hundred  dollars  by  the  Hon.  Charles  F.  Mercer.  The 
managers  invited  the  attention  of  the  liberal  to  this  object,  in 
particular.     They,  moreover,  expressed  the  opinion,  that  Libe- 


392  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

ria  was  now  prepared  to  receive  many  more  colonists  in  a  year, 
than  had  heretofore  been  sent.  "  They  beUeve,"  says  the  report, 
"  that  there  is  no  reason  to  apprehend  that  the  resources  of  the 
society  will  ever  exceed  the  demands  for  aid  from  those  anxious 
to  emigrate,  or  the  capabilities  of  the  colony  to  afford  accommo- 
dation and  subsistence  to  those  who  may  choose  it  as  their  resi- 
dence. Thus  far  the  slowness  of  its  growth  may  have  been  an 
advantage.  But  with  a  free  government,  well  established  upon 
the  popular  will;  an  extensive  territory,  easy  of  cultivation,  and 
abundantly  productive;  a  population,  mostly  sober,  industrious, 
and  enterprising,  with  schools  and  churches,  courts  of  justice, 
and  a  periodical  press;  and  in  fine,  with  the  ardour  and  resolu- 
tion of  a  people  alive  to  their  privileges,  and  determined  to  im- 
prove and  perpetuate  them,  this  colony  now  invites  all  worthy, 
free  persons  of  colour  to  seek  an  asylum  within  its  limits. 
Thousands  might  be  safely  introduced  in  a  single  year,  provi- 
ded temporary  buildings  should  be  constructed,  and  some  pro- 
vision made  for  their  accommodation  and  support,  during  a  few 
months  after  their  arrival;  and  for  this  object,  an  allowance 
of  fifteen  or  twenty  dollars  to  each  emigrant  would  probably 
be  sufficient.  Were  one,  or  even  two  hundred  thousand  dol- 
lars entrusted  to  the  society,  it  might  be  well  expended,  before 
the  close  of  the  year,  in  removing  emigrants,  and  in  preparing 
for  larger  numbers  to  succeed  them.  The  experiment  of  Afri- 
can colonization  has  been  successfully  tried,  but  it  remains  to  be 
shown,  whether  this  work,  the  practicableness  and  utility  of 
which  have  been  demonstrated,  will  be  sustained  by  a  liber- 
ality, and  conducted  forward  by  a  boldness  and  energy  corres 
ponding  to  its  magnitude  and  importance.  So  great  a  work,  it 
is  true,  is  not  to  be  done  in  a  day.  But  if  ever  to  be  completed, 
it  is  time  to  engage  in  it  with  a  comprehensiveness  and  vigour 
of  measures,  that  shall  throw  into  shade  all  the  past  aids  and 
efforts  of  the  society.  Expediency  dictates  that  this  work 
should  be  progressive.  The  number  of  emigrants,  doubtless, 
should  increase,  each  succeeding  year:  and  as  much  must  de- 
pend upon  the  habits  of  the  early  settlers,  some  selection  should 
be  made  among  those  who  first  offer;  yet  the  Board  cannot  ex- 
press too  strongly,  that  no  funds  can  be  supplied  either  by  indi- 
vidual charity,  the  States,  or  the  nation,  exceeding  the  amount 
required  to  execute  this  work,  on  a  scale  proportionable  to  its 
greatness  and  merits,  whether  viewed  relatively  to  the  inte- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  393 

rests  of  the  country,  or  the  still  higher  interests  of  humanity, 
which  it  is  designed  to  promote." 

After  giving  an  account  of  the  several  expeditions  which  had 
been  fitted  out  for  Liberia,  during  the  year,  of  which  notice 
has  already  been  given  in  this  chapter,  the  managers  go  on  to 
mention  a  second  voyage  of  the  ship  Jupiter,  which  before 
carried  out  one  hundred  and  seventy-two  emigrants.  This 
vessel  received  on  board  at  Norfolk,  thirty-eight  emigrants, 
and  sailed  for  the  colony  on  the  9th  of  November.  In  this 
vessel  embarked,  the  Rev.  M.  B.  Cox,  as  missionary,  under 
the  authority  of  the  Society  for  Missions  of  the  Methodist 
jEpiscopal  Church. 

Although  the  number  of  emigrants  sent  out,  within  a  year, 
was  so  large,  yet  such  was  the  urgency  of  the  application  of 
others  to  be  sent,  that  the  Board,  in  reliance  upon  the  public 
liberality,  ventured  to  charter  the  brig  Roanoke,  which  left 
Norfolk  for  Liberia,  with  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven  pas- 
sengers; one  hundred  of  whom  were  slaves  manumitted  in 
Virginia,  for  the  express  purpose  of  African  colonization. 
These  last  were  liberally  supplied  with  the  most  useful  articles 
by  their  late  owners;  and,  in  some  cases,  the  entire  expense  of 
removal  was  defrayed  by  them.  These  emigrants  were  re- 
presented as  possessing,  generally,  unexceptionable  characters, 
and  some  had  received  their  freedom  in  consideration  of  their 
high  moral  and  religious  worth.  In  this  vessel  sailed  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Pinney,  a  missionary  under  the  patronage  of  the  Western 
Presbyterian  Board  of  Missions.  This  young  man  went  away 
under  circumstances  well  adapted  to  depress  his  spirits.  While 
in  the  theological  seminary,  at  Princeton,  he  and  another  pious, 
talented,  and  enterprising  young  man,  whose  name  was  Jos. 
W.  Barr,  formed  the  purpose  of  devoting  themselves  to  the 
benefit  of  Africa.  They  were  accordingly  adopted  by  the  above 
mentioned  Board,  and  were  both  ordained  the  same  evening, 
by  the  laying  on  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia. 
All  things  being  nearly  ready,  these  two  devoted  brethren 
made  use  of  the  time  allowed,  before  sailing,  to  visit  several 
of  our  cities,  and  endeavour  to  stir  up  the  dormant  energies  and 
liberality  of  the  friends  of  African  missions.  They  had  no 
connexion  with  the  Colonization  Society  except  that  they  in- 
tended to  make  the  colony,  in  the  commencement,  the  centre 
of  their  operations.     But  0!  how  uncertain  are  human  hopes! 


394  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

and  how  mysterious  the  Divine  dispensations!  Mr.  Barr,  who 
was  a  man  of  robust  health,  and  had  been  accustomed  to 
manual  labour,  while  on  a  visit  to  the  city  of  Richmond,  Vir- 
ginia, was  suddenly  seized  with  the  spasmodic  cholera,  and 
though  he  received  early  medical  aid  of  the  best  kind,  and 
the  assiduous  attentions  of  pious  friends,  breathed  his  last  before 
the  morning  light.  This  was  the  more  remarkable  as  this 
dreadful  scourge  of  God,  was  not  then  prevailing  in  that  place, 
nor  in  any  place  where  he  had  been.  Thus,  Mr.  Pinney  bereaved 
of  his  bosom  friend  and  devoted  companion  in  the  mission, 
was  obliged  to  go  alone;  with  what  feelings  may  be  readily 
conceived. 

During  the  year  1833,  six  vessels  had  sailed  for  Liberia, 
carrying  out  in  all,  seven  hundred  and  ninety  emigrants,  two 
hundred  and  forty-seven  of  whom  were  manumitted  slaves. 
This  was  by  far,  the  largest  number  sent  out  in  any  one  year : 
but  the  Board,  in  consequence  of  these  expeditions,  and  nume- 
rous emigrants,  incurred  expenses,  necessarily  far  beyond  the 
income  of  the  society.  Though  the  end  was  laudable,  and  the 
liberality  of  the  public  ought  to  have  furnished  them  quickly 
with  the  means  of  liquidating  this  debt,  yet  it  may  be  doubted, 
whether  it  was  prudent  for  the  Board  to  run  in  debt  for  so 
large  a  sum,  without  knowing  from  what  source  it  could  with 
certainty  be  derived.  They  say,  indeed,  "  that  they  cannot 
permit  themselves  to  doubt,  that  their  fellow  citizens  will  meet 
the  demands  of  this  sacred  cause,  so  as  not  only  to  enable  the 
Board  to  discharge  their  present  obligations,  but  also  to  add 
largely  to  the  extent  and  energy  of  their  operations."  These 
were  the  sentiments  of  high-minded  and  liberal  men,  who  were 
themselves  deeply  impressed  with  the  importance  of  the  enter- 
prise in  which  they  were  engaged.  But  what  the  public 
ought  to  do  is  one  thing,  and  what  they  loill  do  is  a  different 
thing.  In  consequence  of  embarrassments  arising  afterwards 
from  the  debts  now  contracted,  the  very  existence  of  the 
society  was  jeoparded. 

Still,  however,  the  progress  of  the  society,  during  the  year  was 
great.  Much  strength  was  added  to  it,  and  its  plans  and  proceed- 
ings were  profoundly  discussed  and  ably  defended.  Opposition 
had  now  become  embodied  and  envenomed,  and  reproach  and 
defiance  were  hurled  against  the  whole  enterprise  in  no  gentle 
terms;  but  its  multiplied  friends  stood  forth  calmly,  but  trium- 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  395 

phantly,  for  its  vindication,  and  bore  the  cause  onward  with 
resistless  power.  There  can  be  little  reason  to  doubt,  that  the 
virulent  attacks  of  the  abolitionists  were  upon  the  whole,  of  real 
service  to  the  society.  Before,  colonization  had  many  friends 
and  well-wishers,  but  among  them  there  was  much  apathy, 
and  little  energy.  Public  bodies,  civil  and  ecclesiastical,  very 
readily  passed  resolutions  in  favour  of  the  objects  of  the  society, 
but  they  did  little  more,  and  these  recommendations  had  little 
effect  to  replenish  their  exhausted  funds.  The  same  was  the 
case  with  individuals.  They  approved  the  object,  and  when  an 
agent  came  round,  would  meet  and  form  auxiliary  societies, 
most  of  which  became  extinct  almost  as  soon  as  formed,  or 
rather  retaining  a  nominal  existence,  remained  inactive.  Some- 
thing was  needed  to  arouse  and  stimulate  the  friends  of  the 
cause,  and  this  was  found  in  the  fanatical  violence  of  the 
abolitionists;  for  these  being  entirely  shut  out  from  the  south, 
vented  their  rage  against  the  unoffending  Colonization  Society, 
which  occupied  an  entirely  different  field.  This  society,  as  has 
been  repeatedly  said,  was  founded  on  the  principle  of  not  med- 
dling with  slavery,  but  their  object  was  the  free  people  of  colour, 
for  whom  they  were  desirous  of  providing  an  asylum  on  the 
coast  of  Africa,  where  they  could  enjoy  their  rights  and  privi- 
leges, without  being  degraded  on  account  of  their  colour,  and 
mortified  by  the  invidious  distinctions  which  nature  or  preju- 
dice had  produced ;  and  which,  whether  right  or  wrong,  had 
placed  an  insuperable  bar  to  their  rising  in  this  country. 

One  of  the  most  propitious  events  of  the  year,  was,  the 
action  of  the  legislature  of  the  State  of  Maryland  on  this  sub- 
ject, which  resulted  in  the  appropriation  of  two  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars  towards  the  removal  to  Africa  of  such  free  people 
of  colour,  as  might  be  found  willing  to  emigrate.  To  manage 
and  direct  this  liberal  appropriation,  three  commissioners  were 
appointed  by  the  legislature :  but  no  more  than  twenty  thou- 
sand dollars  of  this  sum  were  to  be  appropriated  in  any  one 
year. 

An  appropriation  was  also  made  by  the  legislature  of  Vir- 
ginia, but  the  resolution  or  bill,  was  so  expressed,  that  it 
proved,  in  a  great  degree,  inefficacious. 

The  testimony  of  Dr.  Shane,  of  Cincinnati,  who,  as  has  been 
mentioned,  accompanied  the  emigrants  from  the  west,  is  as  satis- 
factory, in  relation  to  the  colony,  as  it  well  could  be.     Writing 


396  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

from  Liberia,  he  says:  "I  see  here  many  who  left  the  United 
States  in  very  straitened  circumstances,  living  with  all  the 
comforts  of  life  around  them;  enjoying  a  respectable  and  useful 
station  in  society,  and  wondering  that  their  brethren  in  the 
United  States,  who  have  it  in  their  power,  do  not  flee  to  this 
asylum  of  happiness  and  liberty.  I  am  certain,  no  friend  to 
humanity  can  come  here  and  see  the  state  of  things,  without 
being  impressed  with  the  immense  benefits  the  society  is  con- 
ferring on  the  long  neglected  sons  of  Africa. 

"  Nothing,  rest  assured,  but  the  want  of  a  proper  knowledge 
of  Liberia,  prevents  thousands  of  honest,  industrious  blacks, 
from  rushing  to  this  land,  where  liberty  and  religion,  with  all 
their  blessings,  are  enjoyed." 

Lieutenant  Page,  commander  of  the  United  States  schooner 
Boxer,  which  was  ordered  to  the  African  coast  for  the  suppres- 
sion of  piracy,  and  who  touched  at  Liberia,  in  April,  1833,  in 
a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  says:  "With  all  the  ad- 
vantages that  have  been  enumerated,  it  would  be  natural  to 
expect  to  hear,  that  the  inhabitants  are  generally  contented ; 
which,  as  far  as  my  observation  has  gone,  I  find  to  be  the  case. 
There  have  been  some  exceptions,  but  they  are  found  amongst 
characters  who  would  be  dissatisfied  in  any  situation." 

The  fourth  of  July  collections  were  this  year  considerably 
increased  above  those  of  the  past  year;  and  some  valuable 
legacies  were  left  to  the  society.  Of  this  kind,  especially,  was 
that  of  Judge  Workman,  of  Louisiana,  of  ten  thousand  dollars. 
A  thousand  dollars  were  received  from  the  late  venerable 
Colonel  Rutgers,  of  New  York,  one  of  the  vice-presidents  of 
the  society. 

The  Report,  from  which  we  have  made  so  large  extracts, 
concludes  with  the  following  weighty  considerations: 

"The  managers  will  off'er  in  vindication  of  the  society,  on 
this  occasion,  only  the  following  facts: 

"1st.  The  society  was  founded  by  the  patriotic,  the  benevo- 
lent, and  pious;  and  from  the  great  community  of  these,  through- 
out this  Union,  has  it  mainly  derived  support. 

"2d.  The  free  people  of  colour  who  have  sought  its  aid,  and 
emigrated  under  its  direction  to  Liberia,  have,  according  to  their 
own  testimony,  and  the  testimony  of  others,  greatly  improved 
their  condition  and  character. 

"  3d.  Through  its  moral  influence,  numerous  slaves  have  been 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  397 

manumitted;  and  through  its  agency  settled,  in  freedom  and 
prosperity,  in  Liberia;  while  many  others  are  now  ready  to  be 
consigned  to  its  care. 

"4th.  No  one  has  shown,  or  can  show,  that  the  public  have 
experienced  detriment  from  the  plans  and  proceedings  of  this 
society. 

"  5th.  The  native  Africans  in  the  vicinity  of  the  colony,  are, 
in  their  own  judgment,  greatly  benefitted  by  its  establishment; 
and  disinterested  strangers,  who  have  visited  them,  concur  in 
their  opniion. 

"  6th.  The  practicability  of  the  plan  of  African  colonization, 
on  a  scale  of  vast  utility,  has  been  demonstrated,  and  means 
exist,  all  admit,  for  immensely  enlarging  its  results. 

"Facts  like  these  can  be  set  aside  by  no  ingenuity  of  specu- 
lation or  of  argument;  they  place  the  character  of  this  institu- 
tion on  grounds  inaccessible  to  the  boldest  assailant,  command- 
ing a  favourable  verdict  of  the  understanding,  even  where  they 
fail  to  win  the  heart. 

"'  Diflerence  of  opinion  may  and  does  exist,  in  regard  to  the 
extent  in  future,  of  African  colonization.  Its  utihty,  so  far  as 
it  may  be  prosecuted,  is  not  dependent  on  the  conclusions,  how- 
ever various,  formed  on  this  subject.  Omitting  argument  to 
sustain,  the  managers  would  simply  avow,  their  opinion,  that 
the  moral  and  economical  elements  at  work  to  promote  it,  and 
the  influence  to  be  relied  on  for  augmenting  their  power,  afford 
solid  grounds  for  hope,  if  not  for  confidence,  that  it  will  be  so 
extended  as  to  confer  invaluable  blessings  on  at  least  some 
millions  of  our  race;  so  extended,  as  in  an  age  not  distant,  to 
be  contemplated  as  among  the  greatest  schemes  ever  devised 
for  the  good  of  mankind.  The  opinion  iiere  expressed,  how- 
ever, must,  by  reflection  on  the  reasons  for  its  foundation, 
become  the  general  opinion  of  our  countrymen,  before  the 
practicableness  of  the  scheme  to  the  extent  just  mentioned,  can 
be  realized. 

"  If  to  provide  for  and  educate  his  children,  be  the  duty  of  a 
parent,  is  it  less  clearly  the  duty  of  a  nation  to  provide,  as  it 
may  be  able,  for  the  relief  and  improvement  of  any  unfortunate 
portion  of  its  inhabitants,  and,  should  uncontrollable  circum- 
stances, or  the  public  good,  forbid  their  elevation  on  the  soil  of 
such  nation,  to  assist  them  in  removing  to  a  land  (if  such  can 
be  found)  where  they  may  enjoy  the  means  of  improvement,. 
31 


398  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

without  restraint  in  their  use,  or  limit  to  their  advantage?  And 
could  the  character  of  nations,  civilized  and  Christian,  be  more 
ennobled  than  by  the  adoption  of  measures,  separately  or  in 
concert,  for  the  instruction  and  reformation  of  the  uncivilized 
and  unchristian?  Glory,  will  all  after  ages  award  to  that  nation, 
which,  on  those  virtues  only,  that  exalt  individual  man,  shall 
build  its  national  character.  And  such  nation,  animated  by 
those  moral  principles  that  adorn  and  enrich  our  nature,  must 
feel  itself  to  be  but  an  individual  in  the  great  brotherhood  of 
nations,  must  recognize  and  acknowledge  in  each  member  of 
this  fraternity,  a  child  of  the  same  Almighty  and  beneficent 
Parent,  who  requires  the  strong  to  support  the  weak;  the 
enlightened  to  inform  the  ignorant;  the  prosperous  to  relieve 
the  distressed;  and  each  to  embrace  the  common  interests  of  all, 
within  the  wide  circuit  of  its  sympathies  and  charities.  The 
triumphs  of  such  a  nation  will  not  be  over  justice  and  mercy; 
over  withered  hopes  and  broken  hearts;  but  over  the  ignorance 
that  darkens,  and  the  vice  that  degrades  our  species;  they  will 
be  sounded  forth,  not  in  the  trumpet  notes  of  war,  but  cele- 
brated in  processions  and  songs  of  peace.  Such  triumphs  are 
the  people  of  the  United  States  now  invited  to  achieve.  To 
them,  especially,  are  the  interests  of  the  African  race  by  Provi- 
dence entrusted,  and  a  thousand  voices  plead,  tliat  the  high  and 
solemn  duty  resulting  therefrom,  be  faithfully  and  fully  dis- 
charged. 

"In  conclusion,  the  managers  would  remind  the  general 
meeting,  that  Liberia,  unlike  most  other  colonies,  has  been 
founded,  not  to  extend  the  power  or  enrich  the  commerce  of 
our  country ;  not  to  bind  in  vassalage  those  who  resort  to  it,  or 
reduce  to  deeper  than  their  present  degradation  the  uncivilized 
of  Africa,  but  to  stand,  within  the  precincts  of  barbarism,  a 
citadel  of  freedom,  knowledge  and  Christianity;  to  bring  a  rude, 
deeply  injured,  and  miserable  people  under  the  dominion  of 
equal  laws  and  a  pure  religion,  and  thus  enable  them  to  appre- 
ciate the  dignity  and  add  to  the  honours  of  humanity." 

The  pecuniary  wants  of  the  society,  in  consequence  of  the 
large  number  of  emigrants  sent  out  during  the  last  year,  were 
exceedingly  pressing,  and  no  effectual  measures  were  adopted 
to  relieve  them.  They  had,  indeed,  popular  agents  in  the  field; 
but  while  their  influence  was  great  in  extending  the  society, 
their  collections  were,  for  the  most  part,  small. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  399 

The  Auxiliary  State  Colonization  Society  of  Massachusetts, 
appropriated  six  hundred  dollars  for  the  support,  during  a  year, 
of  two  coloured  teachers  in  the  colony;  also  four  hundred  dol- 
lars for  the  erection  of  a  suitable  house  for  the  school,  to  which 
they  gave  the  name  of  the  Massachusetts  Free  School  in  Li- 
beria. 

The  munificent  bequest  of  Judge  Workman,  of  Louisiana,  of 
ten  thousand  dollars,  has  already  been  mentioned;  to  which  may 
be  added  the  bequest  of  W.  H.  Ireland,  Esq.,  late  of  the  same 
State,  which,  when  the  property  shall  be  sold,  it  was  supposed 
would  amount  to  as  large  a  sum  as  that  of  Judge  Workman. 
This  Mr.  Ireland  was  a  most  respectable  citizen  of  New  Or- 
leans, who,  by  industry  and  economy  for  several  years,  had 
acquired  a  large  property.  Most  of  his  slaves  he,  by  his  last 
will,  liberated  on  condition  that  they  should  emigrate  to  Liberia. 
The  following  testimony  from  the  editor  of  the  Baltimore 
American,  who  had  no  connexion  with  the  Colonization  So- 
ciety, deserves  to  be  recorded. 

"  The  expedition  which  lately  sailed  from  this  port  for  Liberia, 
with  emigrants,  has  attracted  my  attention,  both  on  account  of 
colonization  in  Africa,  now  in  successful  progress,  and  the  cha- 
racter of  the  coloured  people  who  composed  the  company  that 
embarked  in  the  ship  Lafayette.  Satisfied,  as  I  am,  of  the 
great,  the  almost  incalculable  advantage  that  will  be  derived  by 
those  who  avail  themselves  of  the  means  of  transportation  now 
offered  them,  I  was  gratified  to  find  men  of  merit  and  intelli- 
gence embarking  to  reap  the  fruition  of  a  plan  of  benevolence, 
where  worth,  not  colour,  will  determine  their  rank  and  standing 
in  society.  Among  them  was  a  coloured  man,  in  spite  of  preju- 
dice, I  will  say  gentleman,  returning  from  a  visit  of  a  few  months 
to  the  United  States — I  mean  Jacob  W.  Front,  formerly  of  Bal- 
timore, but  for  the  last  eight  or  ten  years  a  citizen  of  Liberia. 
He  affords  a  happy  instance  of  the  effect  of  freedom  on  a  sound 
mind.  While  he  fully  sustained  the  character  belonging  to  him 
as  a  citizen  of  a  free  State,  he  was  unassuming  in  his  intercourse 
with  the  white,  and  attentive  and  courteous  to  the  coloured 
people,  with  whom  he  freely  associated;  and  thus,  by  a  de- 
meanour unpretending  and  modest,  he  conciliated  the  good  will, 
and  has  carried  with  him  the  good  wishes  of  both.  I  view  him 
as  affording  a  demonstration  of  the  fact  heretofore  questioned, 
and  said  to  exist  only  in  the  excited  imaginations  of  enthu- 


400  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN  COLONIZATION. 

siasts — that   freedom   confers   elevation  of  character   without 
reference  to  colour." 

By  the  ship  Lafayette  and  brig  Ruth,  despatches  were  re- 
ceived by  the  Board  at  Washington  up  to  the  21st  of  February, 
1833.  The  emigrants,  by  the  Hercules,  the  Roanoke,  and  the 
Lafayette,  had  arrived  in  safety. 

The  colonial  agent  had  been  severely  ill,  in  consequence  of 
exposure  in  a  canoe  at  sea,  in  returning  from  a  visit  to  Grand 
Bassa,  where  he  had  gone  to  make  a  purchase  of  a  valuable 
territory  on  the  south  side  of  St.  John's  river.  This  territory 
has  already  been  mentioned,  and  it  will  only  be  necessary  to 
add  in  this  place,  that  it  contains  from  one  hundred  and  fifty 
to  two  hundred  square  miles,  and  includes  the  chief  town  of  the 
principal  chief,  who  wished  to  be  included  within  the  purchased 
territory.  The  value  of  tliis  land  is  enhanced  by  the  excellency 
of  its  timber,  said  to  be  the  best  in  all  the  colony;  and  also  by 
containing  some  valuable  mill-seats.  The  settlement  com- 
menced here  was,  at  this  time,  in  a  prosperous  state,  and 
opened  a  new  and  interesting  field  of  enterprise  to  emigrants. 

Complaints  began  to  be  heard  from  the  newly  arrived  emi- 
grants, of  a  want  of  cordiality  and  kindness  towards  them  from 
the  early  colonists;  the  evidence  of  which  was,  the  imwhole- 
someness  of  the  provisions  issued  to  them.  The  managers 
supposed  that  there  might  be  some  ground  for  these  complaints, 
and  resolved  to  send  out  ample  supplies  of  provisions  for  the 
supply  of  the  recent  emigrants,  and  adopted  measures  which 
they  hoped  would  be  effectual  to  prevent  a  recurrence  of  similar 
complaints. 

The  Liberia  Herald  continued  to  be  edited  by  Mr.  Russ- 
wurni,  and  was  in  every  view  a  respectable  paper.  As  a 
specimen  of  editorial  remarks,  the  following  extract  from  an 
article  on  the  new  year  is  inserted:  "]ku  while  we  have  been 
attending  to  those  things  which  aff"ect  our  outward  comfort,  the 
intellectual  wants  of  our  rising  generation  have  not  been  passed 
by  unnoticed.  Schools  have  been  established  in  our  different 
settlements,  and  efforts  are  making  to  raise  the  means  for 
another,  among  our  recaptured  Africans.  Have  we  rich  friends 
in  America,  who  feel  willing  to  aid  the  cause  of  God  and  man, 
by  dispelling  the  moral  darkness  around  us?  Spare  a  little  of 
your  abundance  toward  the  cause  of  education  among  our 
recaptured  Africans,  and  the  blessing  of  hundreds  will  descend 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  401 

upon  you.  With  the  increased  means  of  the  society,  more 
attention  has  been  paid  to  the  comfort  of  new-comers;  and, 
during  the  past  year,  three  extensive  buildings  have  been  put 
up  solely  for  their  accommodation.  Within  the  year  past,  our 
colony  has  also  extended  her  limits,  and  so  securely  do  the  emi- 
grants to  Grand  Bassa  consider  themselves  located,  that  most 
of  them  have  sent  for  their  families,  who  left  this  a  few  days 
ago  in  the  Margaret  Mercer,  for  that  settlement. 

"We  should  consider  ourselves  as  a  peculiarly  favoured 
people,  for  even  now,  while  the  demon  of  disunion  is  about  to 
enter  among  the  confederate  States  of  our  native  land,  we 
have  been  spared  from  any  thing  of  that  kind.  Our  commerce 
has  been  extending,  and  our  infant  colony  becoming  more 
known  to  the  civilized  world.  The  very  name  of  Africa, 
hitherto  has  been  a  terror  to  mankind,  but  we  thank  God, 
there  is  one  spot  in  it,  on  which  the  eye  of  philanthropy  can 
rest  with  pleasure,  as  the  workmanship  of  its  own  hands; 
one  spot  to  which  the  weary  wanderers  of  the  ocean  can 
repair  for  refreshment  and  health." 

The  discovery  in  the -preceding  year  of  the  course  and 
embouchure  of  the  Niger,  by  the  Landers,  is  an  event  of  much 
interest  for  central  and  western  Africa.  The  solution  of  this 
long  doubtful,  and  much  contested  problem,  has  afforded  much 
gratification  to  the  lovers  of  geographical  science;  and  has 
opened  a  new  world  for  commercial  enterprise,  and  a  new 
field  for  missionary  and  colonizing  efforts.  The  event  as 
discovered  corresponds  very  exactly  with  the  conjectures  of 
Malte  Brun,  and  other  distinguished  geographers.  And  as 
the  mouth  of  the  river  is  at  no  great  distance  from  the  eastern 
settlements  of  Liberia,  the  discovery  may  be  considered  as  an 
event  highly  propitious  to  the  colony. 

The  Colonization  Society  having  now  become  the  object  of 
virulent  abuse,  this  aroused  in  its  defenders  a  zeal  in  its  vindi- 
cation, which,  without  such  opposition,  would  probably  have 
lain  dormant.  Among  the  able  defences  of  the  society,  was  a 
speech  of  Judge  Test,  of  Indiana,  and  reviews  in  the  Biblical 
Repertory^  and  the  Methodist  Quarterly  Magazine.  The  Rev. 
Joshua  N.  Danforth,  one  of  the  general  agents  of  the  Board, 
published  a  letter,  written  with  great  force.  It  is  doubtful 
whether,  on  the  whole,  the  Anti-slavery  Society  did  not  do  the 
Colonization  Society  more  good  than  harm,  by  the  bitterness  of 
34* 


402  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

its  denunciation:  for  while  it  drew  off  some  warm  and  efficient 
friends,  it  was  the  occasion  of  bringing  others  equally  efficient 
into  the  field.  Among  those  who  abandoned  the  society, 
was  Arthur  Tappan,  Esq.,  of  the  city  of  New  York,  who  had 
been  an  active  and  munificent  friend.  His  new  views  are 
given  to  the  public,  in  a  letter  to  a  student  in  the  Andover 
Seminary;  but  it  is  difficult,  in  what  he  says,  to  find  any 
sufficient  reason  for  totally  abandoning  the  society.  He  seems 
to  have  caught  Mr.  Garrison's  spirit,  by  reading  the  Liberator; 
and,  therefore,  he  does  not  hesitate  to  say,  that  it  is  his  belief, 
"that  this  splendid  scheme  of  benevolence"  was  a  device  of 
Satan,  to  rivet  still  closer  the  fetters  of  the  slaves,  and  to  deepen 
the  prejudice  against  the  free  coloured  people.  "I  now  believe," 
says  he,  "  that  it  had  its  origin  in  the  single  motive,  to  get  rid 
of  the  free  coloured  people,  that  the  slaves  may  be  held  in 
greater  safety.  Good  men  have  been  drawn  into  it,  under  the 
delusive  idea,  that  it  would  break  the  chains  of  slavery  and 
evangelize  Africa ;  but  the  day  is  not  far  distant,  I  believe, 
when  the  society  will  be  regarded  in  its  true  character,  and 
deserted  by  every  one  who  wishes  ta  see  a  speedy  end  put  to 
slavery  in  the  land  of  boasted  freedom."  Mr.  Tappan's  prin- 
cipal objection  was,  that  ardent  spirits,  tobacco,  powder,  and 
lead,  had  been  imported  into  the  colony.  The  answer  to  these 
objections,  by  Mr.  Gurley,  was  entirely  satisfactory. 

Canada  having  been  found  an  uncongenial  climate  for  Afri- 
cans, Texas  began  to  be  talked  of  by  the  enemies  of  Liberia. 
Though  the  arguments  of  the  anti-colonization  men  were  often 
directed  against  colonization  in  general ;  yet  when  Hayti,  or 
Canada,  or  Texas,  could  be  set  up  in  opposition  to  the  colony 
in  Africa,  these  places  were  advocated  by  them,  as  entirely 
preferable  to  Liberia. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Pinney,  already  mentioned,  as  a  missionary 
to  Africa,  arrived  at  Monrovia,  and  his  first  impressions  of  the 
country  may  be  learned  from  the  following  extract  from  a  letter 
from  him,  dated  February  17,  1S33. 

^^Dear  Sir, — We  have  arrived  safely  and  happily  at  the  home 
of  the  oppressed,  where  freedom  spreading  her  broad  mantle, 
invites  the  injured  sons  of  Africa  to  liberty  and  happiness. 
The  verdure  is  beyond  expression  delightful.  Cape  Mount 
seemed  a  paradise,  when  first  seen  last  Sabbath  morning,  as 
one  peak  after  another  was  discovered  to  us  by  the  ascending 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION.  403 

mist;  and  Cape  Mesurado  distant  only  half-a-mile  from  our 
anchorage,  though  very  rocky,  presents  nothing  but  the  deepest 
luxuriance  of  vegetation:  no  rock  appears  except  at  the  ex- 
treme point,  where  the  retiring  surf  exposes  enough  to  assure 
us  that  it  is  there.  The  white  beach  between  the  two  capes, 
a  distance  of  fifty  miles,  is  a  beautiful  line  separating  the  dark 
green  waters  from  the  still  deeper  vegetation ;  which  resembles 
very  much  the  appearance  of  the  coast  presented  in  entering 
Charleston  harbour.  Numerous  palms  lift  their  lofty  heads 
all  along  the  shore,  high  above  the  surrounding  forests,  resem- 
bling our  pines  trimmed  almost  to  the  top.  Natives  dressed  in 
nature's  garb,  in  light  shelly  canoes,  as  strange  as  themselves, 
are  all  around  us.  It  is  impossible  to  describe  my  sensations 
at  beholding  these  human  beings,  representing  I  suppose, 
fairly,  more  than  as  many  millions,  when  they  came  on  board 
our  vessel  just  before  we  anchored  in  view  of  Monrovia,  on 
Sunday  evening,  without  even  a  'fig  leaf  covering — seeming 
scarcely  to  have  made  a  single  step  towards  civilization,  and 
probably  still  less  towards  godliness.  They  were  Kroomeji, 
said  to  be  the  noblest  and  most  honest  of  all  the  seaboard 
tribes;  their  business  is  to  row  the  boats  in  loading  and  unload- 
ing vessels.  Captain  Hatch  has  engaged  fifteen,  and  I  am 
now  more  accustomed  to  their  appearance.  When  on  board 
the  ship,  they  wear  a  small  piece  of  cloth  around  the  loins. 
They  are  of  a  dark  red  colour,  something  like  a  ripe  English 
cherry.  The  governor  received  me  with  much  politeness  to- 
day, and  invited  me  to  dinner,  which  from  my  circumstances, 
I  declined  acceding  to.  The  town  consists  of  houses  thinly 
scattered  here  and  there  on  lots  as  they  have  been  drawn  by 
colonists.  From  being  but  partly  built,  and  there  being  no 
horses  or  carts  to  wear  a  road,  the  streets  have  little  the 
appearance  of  a  regular  town,  and  from  the  luxuriance  of 
vegetation,  every  spot  not  under  cultivation  or  continual  use, 
is  covered  with  weeds  and  bushes.  Yet  it  is  much  pleasanter 
than  I  had  anticipated.  The  air  is  cool  and  pleasant,  and  I  was 
quite  surprised  t(^  observe  cloth  coats  worn  by  all  the  most 
respectable  inhabitants.  Governor  Mechlin  informed  me  that 
when  he  travels  he  wears  his  coat  and  overcoat,  and  lies  down 
any  where  in  them.  The  buildings  are  well  calculated  for 
coolness,  having  no  fire-places,  and  being  quite  open.  Those 
of  the  colonists  whom  I  saw,  received  me  with  great  politeness, 


404  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

and  were  dressed  very  genteely.  I  think  I  shall  like  Africa, 
and  from  all  accounts,  the  fever  is  not  commonly  more  severe 
than  many  intermittents  in  America.  It  is  a  complete  fever 
and  ague,  and  in  most  cases  I  am  informed  is  light." 

Among  the  zealous  defenders  of  the  Colonization  Society  in 
the  western  States,  we  find  J.  G.  Birney,  Esq.,  a  gentleman  of 
liberal  education,  and  considerable  brilliance  of  talent,  who  had 
stood  high  in  civil  life;  but  who  now  was  willing  to  devote  his 
time  and  talents  to  the  advancement  of  the  cause  of  African 
colonization.  He,  therefore,  accepted  of  an  agency  for  the 
south-western  States.  Upon  entering  on  this  office,  Mr.  Birney 
published  in  the  public  prints  of  all  these  States,  a  number  of 
short  essays,  on  the  subject  of  colonization,  which  were  exten- 
sively circulated  both  in  the  north  and  the  south,  by  being 
transferred  to  the  columns  of  many  papers.  These  letters  are 
preserved  in  the  African  Repository  for  August,  1833.  And 
although  this  gentleman  soon  afterwards  changed  his  views, 
and  has  been,  ever  since,  the  determined  opposer  of  the  Colo- 
nization Society,  and  one  of  the  ablest  and  most  zealous  and 
active  advocates  of  the  principles  of  the  Anti-slavery  Society; 
yet  this  does  not  hinder  but  that  these  letters  may  still  be  read 
with  profit.  And  although  he  has  long  repudiated  all  that  he 
has  written  in  defence  of  African  colonization,  he  would  still 
find  it  difficult  to  give  a  refutation  of  his  own  former  argu- 
ments. 

The  enemies  of  the  Colonization  Society  were  not  contented 
to  confine  themselves  to  argument  and  declamation,  against 
the  principles  of  the  society,  but  they  industriously  and  insidi- 
ously attempted  to  bring  the  colony  into  disrepute,  by  having 
recourse  to  slander  and  misrepresentation.  They  availed  them- 
selves of  an  opportunity  to  catechise,  at  great  length  and 
minuteness,  certain  coloured  persons  who  had  been  sent  out 
from  the  Eastern  Shore  of  Maryland,  to  examine  the  country 
and  state  of  the  colony:  and  in  giving  an  account  of  the  infor- 
mation received  from  these  men,  great  unfairness  was  employed. 
One  of  the  persons  thus  catechised  and  misrepresented,  Mr. 
James  Price,  of  Washington  city,  upon  seeing  the  account  of 
the  examination  of  himself  and  others,  came  out  in  the  public 
papers,  with  a  positive  denial  of  the  truth  of  the  account  which 
had  been  published  in  the  Emancipator. 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  405 


CHAPTER  XXIIL 

F0R3IATI0N  OF  THE  MARYLAND  SOCIETY. 

The  Maryland  Colonization  Society,  after  mature  deliberation, 
determined  to  act  independently  of  the  national  society,  and  to 
found  a  colony  of  their  own,  at  Cape  Palmas,  on  the  African 
coast.  The  reasons  for  adopting  this  important  measure,  are 
given  at  large  in  the  Second  Annual  Report  of  the  ]\Iaryland 
Colonization  Society.  In  this  measure  no  hostility  to  the 
American  Colonization  Society  was  intended;  nor  did  it  arise 
from  any  dissatisfaction  with  the  proceedings  of  that  excellent 
institution;  but  it  was  believed,  that  in  Maryland,  much  more 
could  be  accomplished  by  independent,  separate  action,  than 
by  remaining  associated  with  the  national  society;  especially, 
as  the  legislature  of  the  State  was  disposed  to  act  in  coopera 
tion  with  the  State  Society,  and  had  already  made  a  large 
appropriation  of  money  for  carrying  the  plan  into  effect.  But 
this  united  action  of  the  State  with  the  society  could  not  be 
expected,  unless  the  latter  acted  independently  of  all  societies 
out  of  the  State.  It  was  judged  also,  that  the  several  States 
in  which  slavery  existed,  having  the  sole  right  of  regulating 
or  removing  this  system,  could  act  in  relation  to  this  matter 
according  to  their  own  discretion:  and  if  any  particular  State 
was  convinced  that  slavery  was  a  political  evil,  and  ought,  as 
soon  as  practicable,  to  be  abolished,  such  State  might  prosecute 
this  object  in  connexion  with  the  colonization  society  of  the  State, 
without  being  restricted  by  the  constitution  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society,  which  very  wisely  does  not  propose  the 
abolition  of  slavery,  as  any  part  of  the  direct  object  of  the 
society;  but  confines  its  views  solely  to  the  free  people  of 
colour. 

The  legislature  of  the  state  of  Maryland,  were  so  fully  con- 
vinced that  the  gradual  abolition  of  slavery  would  be  a  national 
blessing,  provided  the  slaves,  as  fast  as  liberated,  should  be 
removed  to  Africa,  that  they  did  not  hesitate  to  propose  this  as 


406  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION, 

the  great  object  at  which  they  aimed  iu  patronizing  the  coloni- 
zation of  the  people  of  colour.  And  the  Colonization  Society 
of  Maryland,  entertaining  the  same  views  with  the  legislature, 
resolved  to  form  themselves  into  an  independent  society,  that 
without  restraint,  and  with  the  powerful  cooperation  of  the 
State,  they  might  prosecute  this  important  object.  They  also 
were  desirous  to  establish  a  colony  more  devoted  to  agricul- 
ture, than  the  one  at  Monrovia,  the  attention  of  which  has 
been  chiefly  directed  to  commerce:  and  as  the  traffic  in  ardent 
spirits  in  the  latter  colony  had  furnished  its  opponents  with  one 
of  their  most  plausible  objections,  it  was  determined  to  make 
this  a  temperance  colony,  by  not  only  forbidding  all  trade  in 
this  article,  but  by  requiring  every  emigrant  to  agree  to  abstain 
entirely  from  the  use  of  ardent  spirits. 

While  it  cannot  be  doubted  that  the  reasons  for  this  inde- 
pendent action  of  the  Maryland  society  are  very  strong,  and 
we  may  say,  convincing,  yet  it  cannot  be  denied  that  the 
measure  operated  very  injuriously  to  the  interests  of  the  Ameri- 
can Colonization  Society,  by  withdrawing  from  it  many  of  its 
most  efficient  members,  and  lessening  its  resources  at  a  time 
when  it  was  exceedingly  embarrassed  with  a  debt,  which  had 
accumulated  to  such  a  degree,  as  to  threaten  the  prosperity,  if 
not  the  very  existence  of  the  society.  And  therefore  it  will  not 
appear  surprising,  that  the  managers  of  the  American  Coloni- 
zation Society,  although  they  did  not  oppose  the  design  of 
the  Maryland  Society,  yet  consented  to  it  with  evident  reluc- 
tance. It  was  feared,  that  if  the  example  should  be  imitated  in 
other  States,  the  national  society  would  be  left  without  a 
sufficient  number  of  auxiliaries  to  sustain  it.  And,  indeed, 
for  some  time,  the  prospects  of  the  parent  society  were  very 
discouraging,  and  her  foreign  operations  almost  ceased. 

The  Maryland  Society,  in  their  Third  Annual  Report,  ex- 
press a  strong  persuasion  of  the  wisdom  of  the  plan  which  they 
had  adopted;  and  go  so  far  as  to  say,  "that  upon  its  success, 
now  depends,  in  a  great  degree,  the  present  efficient  operation 
of  the  grand  scheme  of  American  colonization.  Maryland, 
through  her  State  society,  is  about  trying  the  important  experi- 
ment, whether  by  means  of  colonies  on  the  coast  of  Africa, 
slave  States  may  become  free  States.  "  For  this  purpose,"  say 
they,  "was  the  idea  of  colonization  first  promulgated;  and  for 
this  purpose  has  there  been  that  expenditure  of  life  and  money, 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN"    COLONIZATION.  407 

which  has  resulted  in  demonstrating  the  practicabiUty  of  found- 
ing settlements  of  the  coloured  people  of  the  United  States  in 
their  fatherland.  If  INIaryland,  with  so  many  circumstances 
operating  in  her  favour, — with  a  coloured  population  that  does 
not  increase — with  a  prevailing  sentiment  among  her  people 
adverse  to  the  perpetuation  of  slavery  within  her  borders — 
with  legislative  action  lending  its  powerful  and  efficient  aid, — 
if  Maryland,  thus  situated,  cannot  succeed  in  the  experiment, 
other  States  may  well  despair,  and  the  friends  of  the  cause 
through  the  land  may  well  be  disheartened." 

While  we  cannot  but  approve  of  the  Maryland  enterprise,  as 
one  of  great  importance  in  the  history  of  African  colonization, 
we  cannot  approve  of  the  sentiment  here  expressed,  that  the 
success  of  the  whole  scheme  of  colonization  was  involved  in 
the  success  of  this  State  society.  Our  belief  is,  that  this  plan 
has  tlie  marked  approbation  of  heaven,  from  its  commence- 
ment; and  that,  however  many  disasters  and  disappointments 
may  be  experienced,  it  will  continue  to  prosper,  and  will  ulti- 
mately so  prevail,  as  to  exhibit  to  posterity  the  successful  issue 
of  the  grandest  enterprise  of  the  present  age. 

The  Maryland  Society  having  determined  on  forming  a  sepa- 
rate colony  in  Africa,  on  the  23d  of  November,  1833,  despatched 
the  brig  Ann,  Captain  Langdon,  from  Baltimore,  with  a  full 
cargo  of  goods  and  provisions,  and  eighteen  emigrants  for  Cape 
Palmas.  The  expedition  was  under  the  charge  of  Dr.  James 
Hall,  a  gentleman  whose  experience  in  Africa,  admirably  quali- 
fied him  for  his  situation.  The  Rev.  John  Hersey  accompanied 
him,  as  his  assistant;  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson  and  Mr,  Wyn- 
koop,  agents  for  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for 
Foreign  Missions,  took  passage  in  the  Ann,  with  a  view  of 
ascertaining  the  fitness  of  Cape  Palmas  as  a  place  for  mis- 
sionary labours. 

On  the  25th  of  January,  the  Ann  reached  Monrovia,  and 
remained  there  ten  days,  taking  on  board  thirty  old  settlers, 
nineteen  of  whom  were  adult  males,  well  acclimated. 

On  the  5th  of  February,  the  brig  reached  Bassa,  and  re- 
ceiving five  more  recruits,  sailed  for  her  ultimate  destination. 
Dr.  Hall  having  sent  word  to  the  kings  in  the  vicinity  of  Cape 
Palmas,  of  his  wish  to  establish  a  colony  at  that  place,  when 
he  arrived,  found  them  ready  to  treat  with  him. 

On  the  1 3th  of  February,  a  grand  palaver,  or  council,  was 


408  HISTORr    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

held,  at  which  the  only  difficulty  arose  out  of  Dr.  Hall's  refusing 
to  make  rum  a  part  of  the  consideration  of  the  proposed  pur- 
chase. "His  Master,"  he  told  them,  "did  not  send  him  there 
to  give  rum  for  the  land.  Rum  made  the  hlack  man  a  fool,  and 
then  the  white  man  cheated  him.  He  came  as  a  friend,  to  do 
them  good — not  as  an  enemy,  to  hurt  them."  After  much  dis- 
cussion, and  explanation,  on  the  part  of  Dr.  Hall,  the  purchase 
was  completed  for  a  quantity  of  trade  goods  fully  satisfactory 
to  the  natives.  The  kings  reserved  to  their  people  the  use  of 
their  villages  and  fields,  included  within  the  boundaries  of  the 
territory  contracted  for;  and  stipulated  that,  within  a  year,  a  free 
public  school  should  be  established  in  each  of  the  principal 
towns.  This  treaty  was  dated  February  13,  1834,  and  was 
signed  by  Parmah,  King  of  Palmas,  Weah  Boleo,  King  of 
Grahway,  and  Baphro,  King  of  Grand  Cavally. 

Without  delay,  operations  were  commenced;  and  the  brig, 
after  landing  her  passengers  and  cargo,  returned  to  Bassa  and 
Monrovia'  for  further  recruits.  The  Board  had  sent  out  the 
frame  and  materials  of  an  agency  house,  which  was  speedily 
erected,  and  in  less  than  a  month  after  landing,  the  settlement 
began  to  wear  the  appearance  of  a  compact  and  comfortable 
village.  Messrs.  Wilson  and  Wynkoop,  after  remaining  at  the 
cape  long  enough  to  satisfy  themselves  of  the  eligibility  of  the 
site  for  a  missionary  station,  returned  to  Monrovia,  and  thence 
to  America.  Mr.  Hersey,  after  seeing  a  meeting-house  erected 
for  the  worship  of  the  Methodists  in  the  company,  also  returned 
to  this  country. 

Dr.  Hall  now  found  himself,  with  about  eighty  emigrants,  in 
the  midst  of  thousands  of  savages;  he  therefore  set  to  work  to 
erect  a  fort,  which  should  fully  command  the  native  town  of 
Cape  Palmas  and  two  small  towns  on  the  beach,  as  well  as  the 
landing  place.  In  this  short  time,  thirty-seven  lots  were  occu- 
pied, and  the  gardens  already  supplied  the  emigrants  with 
vegetables.  At  the  end  of  four  months,  the  people  had  all  gone 
through  the  fever  of  the  climate,  without  the  loss  of  a  single 
individual.  The  testimony  of  Messrs.  Wilson,  Wynkoop,  and 
Hersey,  respecting  the  healthiness  of  the  climate,  is  very  fa- 
vourable. 

Upon  the  return  of  the  brig  Ann,  with  so  favourable  an  ac- 
count of  the  situation  of  the  colony,  the  Board  immediately 
despatched  another  vessel  from  Baltimore,  the  Sarah  and  Pris- 


HISTORY    OF  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  409 

cilia.  On  her  arrival  at  the  Cape,  she  found  the  colony  in  an 
excellent  condition,  and  Dr.  Hall  well  furnished  with  the  means 
of  subsistence,  which  lie  had  husbanded  from  the  stores  brought 
out  by  the  former  vessel.  Every  body  in  the  colony  appeared 
to  be  in  good  health,  and  none  more  so  than  Dr.  Hall  himself, 
who  had  been  long  an  invalid.  The  emigrants  were  generally 
well  satisfied,  and  there  was  as  little  discontent  as  could  be  ex- 
pected among  persons  who  had  to  subdue  the  forest,  and  erect 
houses  for  their  own  accommodation. 

The  Board  without  waiting  for  the  return  of  the  Sarah  and 
Priscilla,  despatched,  on  the  14th  of  December,  1834,  the  brig 
Bourne,  with  fifty-eight  emigrants,  and  supplies  corresponding, 
for  the  Cape.  This  expedition  was  placed  under  the  imme- 
diate charge  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gould,  of  the  Methodist  church; 
a  man  who  had  long  laboured  for  the  good  of  the  coloured 
population  in  JMaryland.  This  agent  did  not  go  out  with  the 
design  of  making  a  permanent  residence  in  Africa;  but  staid 
long  enough  to  see  the  emigrants  comfortably  disposed  of.  A 
short  time  before  the  sailing  of  the  Bourne,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wil- 
son, with  his  wife,  and  several  teachers,  had  sailed  for  Cape 
Palmas.  The  frame  of  a  house  for  a  missionary  establishment 
had  been  carried  out  in  the  brig  Ann,  which  was  found,  upon 
his  arrival,  ready  for  his  use.  The  presence  of  Mr.  Wilson  at 
the  colony  was  considered  very  important,  in  case  of  any  acci- 
dent to  Dr.  Hall;  for  though  entirely  disconnected  with  the 
Board  of  Managers,  yet  all  the  new  settlers  at  Cape  Palmas 
had  a  common  interest;  and  few  men  were  better  calculated  to 
give  prudent  counsel  than  Mr.  Wilson.  "  To  profound  piety 
he  joined  firmness  of  character,  and  sound  judgment,  and  dis- 
cretion, together  with  manners  admirably  calculated  to  win  his 
way  to  the  hearts  of  this  rude  people,  to  whom  he  had  devoted 
his  existence."* 

The  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions 
had  assumed  the  responsibility  of  supplying  the  natives  with 
such  free  schools  as  had  been  stipulated  for,  in  the  treaty  by 
which  the  territory  was  conveyed  to  the  society,  which  re- 
Ueved  the  Board  of  a  considerable  expense,  which  otherwise 
must  have  been  incurred  by  them. 

Each  of  the  three  kings,  who  signed  the  treaty  by  which  the 
land  was  ceded,  agreed  to  send  a  son  to  the  State  Society,  to 

*  Third  Annual  Report,  p.  9. 
35 


410  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION, 

be  educated  in  the  arts  of  civilized  life.  The  son  of  the  King 
of  Pal  mas  was  taken  sick  on  his  way  to  the  vessel  and  remain- 
ed behind;  so  that  only  two  embarked,  viz.,  Charles,  the  son  of 
the  King  of  Grahway,  and  John,  the  son  of  the  King  of  Caval- 
ly.  These  boys  arrived  safely  in  Baltimore,  and  every  thing 
was  done  by  the  Board,  which  could  be  done,  to  promote  their 
improvement.  They  were  immediately  sent  to  school,  and 
made  rapid  progress  in  learning.  But  on  the  16th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1834,  Charles  took  sick  and  died.  During  his  illness  he 
received  every  needed  attention  in  the  family  of  the  local  agent, 
where  he  boarded.  And  as  this  event  might  make  an  unfa- 
vourable impression  on  the  minds  of  the  natives,  it  was  thought 
expedient  to  send  back  the  other  boy  to  his  parents,  who  could 
give  such  an  account  of  their  treatment  here,  as  it  was  hoped 
would  be  satisfactory  to  all,  and  especially  to  the  father  of  the 
deceased  boy. 

The  formation  of  the  Maryland  Society,  having  the  gradual 
abolition  of  slavery  in  the  State,  as  the  direct  primary  object 
of  its  institution,  it  was  believed  that,  if  its  principles  were  made 
known  to  the  people  of  New  England,  it  would  have  the 
effect  of  checking  the  abolition  spirit,  which  had  begun  to  per- 
vade that  country;  or  rather,  would  turn  it  into  a  safe  and  bene- 
ficial channel,  and  might  secure  considerable  funds  for  the  Ma- 
ryland Colonization  Society.  Under  these  impressions,  Messrs. 
John  and  Robert  Breckinridge,  both  ardent  friends  of  coloniza- 
tion, but,  at  the  same  time,  friends  to  the  gradual  abolition  of  sla- 
very, undertook  a  journey  through  the  Eastern  States,  to  make 
known  the  principles,  and  to  plead  the  cause  of  the  Maryland 
Society.  Two  more  ardent,  eloquent,  and  efficient  agents  could 
not  have  been  found.  They  passed  through  the  principal  north- 
ern cities,  accompanied  by  the  local  agent  of  the  Board;  and  at 
New  Haven,  were  joined  by  the  Rev.  Leonard  Bacon,  an  emi- 
nent friend  of  the  cause,  who  lent  them  his  powerful  and  efficient 
aid.  And  although  they  did  not  remain  long  enough  to  make 
their  northern  visit  profitable,  in  a  pecuniary  point  of  view,  it 
is  believed,  that  they  made  a  deep  and  favourable  impression, 
which  will  be  useful  to  the  society  hereafter. 

Although,  as  has  been  intimated,  the  withdrawal  of  the  State 
Society  of  Maryland  could  not  but  be  felt  by  the  parent  society 
as  a  severe  blow  to  its  interests;  yet  that  noble  institution,  with 
a  generosity  becoming  the  benevolent  cause  in  which  it  was 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  411 

engaged,  opposed  no  obstacle  in  the  way  of  the  new  enterprise, 
and  continued  to  cultivate  a  friendly  feeling  towards  the  Mary- 
land Society;  and  this  feeling  was  duly  appreciated  by  the 
Board  of  Managers  of  the  State  Society.  In  the  close  of  their 
third  report,  they  observe,  that  "  the  relations  of  the  Board 
with  the  American  Colonization  Society  are,  it  is  believed,  of 
the  most  friendly  character.  Although  the  State  Society  acts 
independently,  yet  the  community  of  purpose  between  the  two 
institutions,  must  ever  unite  them  in  a  bond  which  it  would  be 
difficult  to  break,  and  which  the  Maryland  Society  should  be 
the  last  to  see  weakened.  It  is  to  the  disinterested  labours  of 
the  philanthropic  members  of  the  American  Board,  that  the 
State  Society  is  indebted  for  the  confidence,  which  has  led  them 
to  send  forth  a  little  band  of  emigrants,  to  gain  another  foot- 
hold on  the  Liberian  coast;  to  erect  there  a  beacon,  glorious 
alike  in  the  sight  of  the  native,  and  the  African  emigrant;  as  it 
speaks  to  the  one  in  the  language  of  civilization  and  the  gospel, 
and  calls  to  the  other  to  come  to  his  father's  home."* 

The  following  extracts  from  a  communication  of  Dr.  Hall 
to  the  Board  of  Managers,  will  serve  to  give  some  idea  of  the 
territory  purchased  for  the  society,  and  named,  New  Mary- 
land. Speaking  of  Sheppard  Lake,  he  says,  "This  lake  is  a 
beautiful  sheet  of  clear  water,  upon  an  average  half  a  mile 
in  breadth,  extending  from  the  site  of  the  mission  house,  about 
eight  miles  parallel  to  the  sea-beach;  and,  in  some  places, 
separated  only  by  a  wall  of  sand  thrown  up  by  the  surf,  of  not 
more  than  fifty  yards  in  breadth.  At  the  narrowest  place,  the 
natives,  once  or  twice  in  the  year,  dig  a  trench  below  the  sur- 
face of  the  lake,  and  it  soon  discharges  its  waters  into  the  sea, 
leaving  an  immense  quantity  of  fish  of  all  kinds,  which  are 
gathered  up  by  all  the  tribes  in  the  vicinity,  and  smoked  in 
great  numbers.  The  sea  very  soon  fills  up  the  breach  thus 
made,  and  the  lake  is  again  replenished  by  the  rains  and  small 
creeks. 

"The  King  of  Grahway  has  three  towns,  one  of  which  is 
very  large,  where  he  resides.  I  left  Grahway,  accompanied  by 
the  king  and  several  head  men.  On  leaving  Grahway,  I  entered 
one  of  the  most  beautiful  meadows  I  ever  beheld,  from  one  to 
two  miles  in  breadth,  extending  a  distance  of  nearly  five  miles. 
It  was  literally  covered  with  fine  fat  cattle,  sheep  and  goats, 

*  Third  Annual  Report,  p.  12. 


412  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION'. 

belonging  to  the  neighbouring  towns.  When  within  a  mile  or 
two  of  Half-Cavally,  we  were  met  by  not  less  than  a  thousand 
men,  women,  and  children,  in  whose  countenances  nothing  but 
wonder  and  astonishment  were  visible. 

"The  town,  or  rather  towns,  of  Half-Cavally,  are  very  large, 
containing  over  fifteen  hundred  people,  who  are  supported 
principally  by  trading  with  the  Bnsh  people.  From  this  to 
Cavally  river,  a  distance  of  eight  miles,  as  near  as  I  could 
judge,  I  took  what  is  termed  the  Bush  path,  and  it  carried 
me  through  a  delightful  country,  the  greater  part  of  which 
is  included  in  our  purchase.  The  surfoce  is  gently  undulating 
and  covered  with  a  quick  growth  of  small  wood,  the  whole 
having  been  cleared  for  rice  and  cassada ;  and  we  passed 
many  fields  of  these  vegetables,  which  are  the  main  articles 
of  food  in  this  country.  To  an  enthusiastic  admirer  of  na- 
ture, nothing  could  be  more  delightful  than  a  stroll  along 
the  borders  of  these  beautiful  fields,  winding  occasionally 
among  almost  impervious  clusters  of  young  palm  trees,  whose 
spreading  branches  excluded  every  ray  of  the  scorching  sun; 
then  opening  suddenly  upon  an  immense  rice  field  of  the 
most  delicate  pea-green,  skirted  by  the  beautiful  broad- leafed 
plaintain  and  banana,  literally  groaning  under  the  immense 
masses  of  their  golden  fruit — I  say,  to  such  a  one,  this  jaunt 
would  have  been  enchanting,"  &c.  There  seems  to  be  some- 
thing like  romance  in  the  above  description,  but  no  doubt 
there  is  some  foimdation  for  such  high  coloured  description  in 
the  actual  scenery. 

Of  the  river  Cavally,  Dr.  Hall  speaks  as  follows:  "This  is 
a  splendid  river,  nearly  a  mile  in  width,  running  with  great 
velocity  into  the  sea,  perfectly  fresh,  even  to  its  mouth.  It 
could  be  entered  by  vessels  of  two  hundred  tons,  or  more;  but 
it  comes  down  with  such  force,  that  meeting  the  tide,  it  causes 
immense  breakers,  which  prevent  boats  and  canoes  from  pass- 
ing, except  in  the  dry  season.  *  *  *  From  the  best 
information  I  can  gain,  I  would  say  the  Cavally  river  is  navi- 
gable for  schooners  of  twenty  tons,  to  the  distance  of  fifty  miles. 

'•I  arrived  at  Grand  Cavally,  the  town  of  our  liege  subject, 
King  Baphro,  about  two  o'clock,  p.  m.,  and  was  received  with 
all  the  attention  I  could  expect.  This  town  is  situated  at  the 
river's  mouth,  and  has  a  fine  landing,  inside  the  bar,  but  the 
beach  land  is  bad,  owing  to  the  heavy  surf,  there  being  no  rock 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  413 

or  curvature  in  the  coast  line,  sufficient  to  break  the  swell.  I 
should  think  the  town  contained  a  thousand  inhabitants,  but  I 
may  overrate  them,  as  the  bustle  was  so  great.  *  *  *  The  king 
speaks  good  English,  has  a  perfect  knowledge  of  trade,  and 
manages  all  matters  like  a  man  of  business.  His  person  is 
worth  noticing:  he  is  about  six  feet  four,  well  proportioned, 
and  very  muscular;  and  has  a  firm  and  determined  expression 
of  countenance,  bordering  too  much  on  the  savage.  His  word 
is  law,  and  one  look  from  his  deep  sunken  eye,  commands 
instant  obedience  from  all.  *  *  *  The  land  on  either  side  the 
river  is  sufficiently  elevated,  the  soil  rich  and  easily  cultivated. 
The  whole  is  well  wooded  and  watered,  with  few  or  no  fens  or 
swamps,  so  common  on  the  sea-coast;  the  surface  generally 
slightly  undulating,  and  covered  in  some  places  with  a  second 
growth  of  timber  at  intervals,  however  spreading  into  most 
luxuriant  and  extensive  savannahs,  equalling  in  richness  and 
beauty  the  far  famed  plains  of  Leogane,  in  the  island  of  Hayti. 
In  fact,  the  whole  extensive  tract  of  country,  now  belonging  to 
the  Maryland  State  Colonization  Society,  so  far  as  I  have  been 
able  to  examine  it,  very  nearly  resembles  the  low  lands  of  that 
beautiful  island. 

"  The  land  in  our  immediate  neighbourhood  is  not  so  fertile 
as  that  more  remote,  but  I  think  it  advisable  to  lay  out  the 
first  township  bordering  on  the  beach,  and  this  we  extend  to  the 
interior,  as  I  consider  it  of  great  importance  to  have  the  whole 
colony  connected,  that  we  may  have  good  roads  from  one  end 
to  the  other.  With  very  little  trouble  and  expense  we  can 
have  the  best  roads,  surpassed  by  none  in  America,  a  thing 
very  uncommon  in  African  settlements. 

"  The  present  productions  of  our  colony  are  rice,  cassada, 
banana,  sweet  potatoes,  sugar  cane,  the  egg  plant,  bahia,  some 
excellent  varieties  of  the  pea,  Guinea  and  Malaga  pepper,  many 
varieties  of  the  prune  and  fig.  These  are  all  produced  and 
cultivated  by  the  natives  in  great  abundance;  and  to  them 
may  be  added  all  the  garden  and  field  vegetables,  such  as, 
beans,  peas,  turnips,  Indian  corn,  squashes,  beets,  carrots, 
parsnips,  cabbage,  onions,  melons,  lettuce,  cucumbers,  and 
tomatoes. 

"As  it  regards  animal  food,  we  are  equally  well  supplied. 
There  is  no  part  of  the  coast  which  furnishes  such  beef;  and 
35* 


414  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

I  never  saw  so  fine  in  any  tropical  country,  nor  any  more  fatj 
even  in  the  Boston  market. 

"  In  this  our  purchase,  we  have  every  national  advantage 
possible  to  favour  the  promotion  of  agriculture,  and  we  only 
require  industry,  proper  guidance  and  direction,  to  render  this 
a  wealthy  and  flourishing  colony.  The  labour  of  one  man  in 
good  health,  six  months  in  the  year,  will  produce  vegetables  for 
six  adults,  and  in  greater  abundance  and  variety,  than  the 
average  farmers  in  New  England  enjoy. 

"Of  the  articles,  which  our  climate  will  enable  us  to  raise  for 
exportation,  the  most  prominent  are  palm  oil,  sugar,  molasses, 
coffee,  cotton,  and  tobacco.  Now  the  question  is,  which  ought 
to  be  recommended  to  the  colonists  for  cultivation?  Doubtless 
the  sugar  cane  is  best  adapted  to  our  soil,  and  would  yield 
the  greatest  profit,  but  its  cultivation  by  the  emigrants  at 
present,  I  consider  entirely  out  of  the  question.  The  coffee 
tree  does  not  grow  spontaneously  here  as  at  Bassa  and  Cape 
Mesurado,  but  would  do  well  were  it  introduced.  But  taking 
all  circumstances  into  consideration,  I  consider  cotton  and 
tobacco  as  decidedly  the  best  articles  for  new  emigrants  to 
commence  with.  The  palm  tree  grows  spontaneously,  in  all 
the  varieties  of  soil  in  our  territory,  and  apparently  with  equal 
luxuriance  on  the  sandy  beach  as  in  the  fattest  valleys.  In 
fact  the  whole  face  of  the  country  is  covered  with  them,  and  it 
only  requires  a  ready  market,  like  the  Bonny,  to  induce  the 
natives  to  manufacture  (the  palm  oil)  in  immense  quantities 
for  exportation. 

"  I  judge  that  a  few  remarks  upon  the  health  of  the  place 
will  not  be  considered  premature.  Upon  this  subject  I  have 
been  tremblingly  anxious  and  watchful,  as  I  am  satisfied  that 
it  will  ultimately  determine  the  destiny  of  the  colony.  The 
natural  advantages  in  every  other  respect,  are  equal  to_  those 
of  any  other  part  of  the  globe;  and  I  think,  we  may  indulge 
a  well  grounded  hope  that  Providence  has  been  no  less  pro-' 
pitious  in  regard  to  the  salubrity  of  our  location.  I  speak 
with  caution,  being  fully  sensible  that  years  must  elapse,  before 
we  can  form  a  decided  opinion  on  this  very  important  subject. 
I  can  only  speak  of  it  comparatively,  and  so  can  safely  say; 
it  is  a  far  more  healthy  place  than  Cape  Mesurado.  I  am 
warranted  in  saying  this,  from  the  circumstance  that  a  numbei' 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  415 

of  our  colonists  were  weak  and  sickly,  when  they  embarked 
from  that  place,  and  every  one  will  bear  testimony,  that  their 
health  was  quite  restored.  As  to  myself,  I  have  not  enjoyed 
so  good  health  for  the  space  of  one  week,  during  four  years, 
as  for  the  last  two  months,  I  have  been  able  to  labour  daily, 
to  eat  heartily,  and  to  sleep  at  night." 

There  is  a  pleasing  circumstance  in  the  commencement  of 
this  colony,  and  one  too  which  it  may  be  confidently  believed 
will  ensure  to  it  greater  prosperity  than  any  thing  else.  It 
was  begun  by  a  public  acknowledgment  of  God,  the  Ruler 
of  the  Universe,  and  a  day  of  pubhc  thanksgiving  for  the 
whole  colony  was  appointed  for  the  fourth  of  July.  On  this 
subject,  Dr.  Hall  remarks:  ''I  have  appointed  the  fourth  of  July 
next,  as  a  day  of  thanksgiving,  after  our  old  New  England 
fashion;  and  I  doubt  not  that  you  will  consider  it,  under  exist- 
ing circumstances,  well  timed,  and  becoming  a  Christian  com- 
munity. Not  a  day  nor  an  hour  passes,  but  I  feel  an  inward 
conviction,  that  we  are,  and  have  been  especially  favoured  by 
Divine  Providence,  and  I  judge  that  a  public  expression  of  our 
gratitude  for  such  favours,  would  not  only  be  our  duty  to  the 
Great  Author  of  all  good,  but  gratifying  to  our  pious  and 
philanthropic  patrons." 

In  the  enumeration  of  special  providential  blessings  expe- 
rienced, in  the  proclamation  of  the  agent,  the  following  are 
noticed:  "From  the  moment  of  our  embarkation  from  our 
native  land,  we  have  experienced  one  uninterrupted  series  of 
prosperous  events.  When,  on  the  mighty  deep,  he  caused  the 
storm  to  cease,  and  the  waves  thereof  to  be  still,  and  timely 
brought  us  to  the  haven  where  we  would  be.  He  so  disposed 
the  minds  of  the  heathen  that  they  kindly  welcomed  us  to 
their  delightful  shores,  and  granted  us  their  soil  as  our  home, 
for  ever.  The  season  has  been  uncommonly  propitious  to  our 
designs.  The  early  rains  have  been  deferred  until  we  are  well 
prepared  for  their  approach.  The  earth  has  yielded  a  quick 
and  needful  reward  to  the  husbandman.  The  pestilence  which 
has  ever  begirt  the  coast  as  a  wall  of  fire,  has  passed  lightly 
over  us,  and  claimed  but  a  solitary  victim.  Cheerfulness  and 
contentment  reign  throughout  our  little  settlement;  peace  rests 
upon  our  borders." 

The  chief  difficulty  which  the  Board  of  Managers  found  in 
collecting  emigrants,  arose  from  the  incredulity  of  the  coloured 


416  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

people  of  Maryland,  in  regard  to  the  reports  made  to  them  of 
the  advantages  of  Liberia.  Even  when  their  friends  wrote  to 
them  favourably  of  the  country,  inviting  them  to  emigrate,  they 
believed  that  there  was  a  restraint  upon  the  writers,  and  that 
the  agent  prevented  any  letters  from  reaching  America,  which 
did  not  speak  in  terms  of  praise  of  Africa.  The  ingenuity  of 
the  people  of  colour  in  the  State,  however,  devised  a  very  sim- 
ple test  of  the  reliance  which  might  be  placed  on  the  letters  of 
their  friends.  Before  they  emigrated,  they  took  a  small  slip  of 
calico,  and  divided  it  into  two  parts;  the  one  was  taken  by  the 
emigrant,  and  the  other  remained  with  his  friend.  By  sending 
back  these  little  tokens,  assurance  was  given  that  the  state- 
ments in  the  letters  were  true,  and  that  he  wrote  without  res- 
traint. 

The  opinion  is  expressed  in  the  Fourth  Report  of  the  Mana- 
gers to  the  Society,  "  that  colonization  is  ultimately  to  be  car- 
ried on,  mainly,  by  voluntary  emigration,  at  the  cost  of  the 
emigrant  himself,  and  that  the  scheme  cannot  otherwise  be 
successful."  This  opinion  seems  to  have  been  hastily  adopted, 
and,  therefore,  does  not  merit  that  implicit  regard  which 
most  of  the  opinions  of  this  Board  demand.  No  doubt  there 
will  hereafter  be  many  emigrants  of  this  description,  sacri- 
ficing all  their  little  property,  to  reach  the  desired  asylum  of 
the  coloured  race;  but  this  can  never  be  realized  in  relation 
to  liberated  slaves,  who  will  probably  form  much  the  most 
numerous  portion  of  future  emigrants.  And  this  opinion  comes 
with  a  bad  grace  from  the  State  Society  of  Maryland,  who 
have  the  legislature  of  the  State  cooperating  with  them,  and 
which  has  already  appropriated  two  hundred  thousand  dollars 
to  aid  the  enterprise. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson  having  selected  a  delightful  spot  near 
the  end  of  the  lake  for  their  missionary  station,  called  it  very 
appropriately,  Fair  Hope,  and  immediately  commenced  opera- 
tions; Mr.  Wilson  by  an  attempt  to  reduce  the  language  of  the 
natives  to  writing,  and  Mrs.  Wilson  by  opening  a  school  for 
native  children,  and  also  for  those  of  the  colonists  who  might 
choose  to  attend.  A  school  was  also  opened  by  a  Miss  McAl- 
ister,  of  the  Methodist  church;  and  one  for  the  colony,  by  Mrs. 
Thompson,  who  joined  the  Cape  Palmas  emigrants  from  Mon- 
rovia, together  with  her  husband. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Gould,  who,  it  was  mentioned,  went  out  to 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  417 

superintend  the  emigrants,  and  see  them  comfortably  settled  in 
their  houses,  performed  his  duty  with  great  fidelity  and  accep- 
tance, and  passed  through  the  acclimating  fever  without  appa- 
rent injury;  but  experiencing  much  rongh  weather  in  a  tedious 
passage  home,  he  departed  this  life  about  two  months  after  his 
arrival  in  America.  He  was  a  good  and  pious  man,  devoted 
to  the  cause  of  religion  and  humanity,  and  his  loss  was  truly 
lamented.  Plis  testimony  was  very  favourable  indeed,  as  it 
related  to  soil,  climate,  productions,  health,  &c. 

The  relations  of  the  emigrants  with  the  natives  were  placed 
on  a  proper,  and  it  is  hoped,  a  lasting  footing,  by  the  prompt 
energy  and  firmness  of  Dr.  Hall.  One  of  the  kings,  soon  after 
the  settlement  was  made,  set  an  enormous  price  on  his  rice, 
and  threatened  to  prevent  the  governor  from  sending  elsewhere 
to  get  a  supply.  In  vain  Dr.  Hall  remonstrated.  The  king 
was  inexorable,  and  said  he  would  attack  the  governor's  boat, 
whenever  it  set  out  for  rice  to  a  neighbouring  town.  Dr.  Hall 
told  him  that  they  would  prefer  dying  as  brave  men,  to  being 
starved  to  death;  and  that  if  the  boat  was  interrupted,  war 
should  be  the  consequence.  After  this  brief  conference,  the 
governor  retired  to  the  settlement,  and  prepared  for  defence. 
The  people  stood  to  arms,  all  night,  and  in  the  morning  he 
despatched  the  boat.  The  king,  instead  of  making  an  attack 
on  it,  came  in  person  to  the  governor,  and  made  an  humble 
apology.  Since  then  the  influence  of  the  colonists  has  been 
increasing — aided,  most  materially,  by  the  presence  and  labours 
of  the  missionaries,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson.  Both  Dr.  Hall  and 
Mr.  Wilson  were  also  successful,  in  rescuing  from  a  cruel  death 
several  persons  condemned  by  the  superstitions  of  the  people, 
as  having  caused  evil,  by  the  practice  of  diabolical  arts,  or 
witchcraft. 

The  Board  were  informed  by  Dr.  Hall,  that  the  state  of  his 
health  required  a  cessation  from  the  active  duties  of  the  agency, 
and  a  return  to  the  United  States.  Upon  this  they  selected 
Mr.  Holmes  as  his  successor,  who  was  sent  out  several  months 
before  the  expected  departure  of  Dr.  Hall,  that  by  being  with 
this  judicious  and  experienced  agent,  he  might  become  ac- 
quainted with  the  business  of  the  office;  and  be  the  better  pre- 
pared to  fill  a  station  so  highly  responsible. 

The  managers  conclude  their  fourth  report,  by  expressing 
their  unshaken  confidence  in  the  wisdom  of  the  plan  which 


418  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

they  had  adopted;  and  in  confirmation  of  their  own  opinion, 
they  refer  to  the  testimonies  received  in  its  favour,  from  some 
of  the  wisest  men,  belonging  to  other  States;  and  particularly 
refer  to  a  speech  made  in  defence  of  the  plan,  before  the  Ameri- 
can Colonization  Society  at  Washington,  by  a  gentleman  who 
had  been  among  the  first  and  most  efficient  of  the  promoters  of 
colonization,  while  yet  there  had  been  no  foothold  obtained  in 
Africa — one  whose  intimate  and  long  acquaintance  with  the 
old  system  made  his  sanction  of  tenfold  authority.  The  person 
here  referred  to,  was  doubtless  Francis  S.  Key,  Esq.,  of  George- 
town. Finally,  the  managers  congratulate  the  society  on  having 
the  honour  of  being  the  first  to  introduce  this  plan;  and  con- 
cerning the  State,  they  say,  "  The  policy  of  the  State  has  been 
liberal  and  enlightened,  and  there  can  be  little  doubt  that  to  it 
is  to  be  attributed  her  total  exemption  from  excitement  during 
the  recent  period  of  agitation  on  the  subject  of  slavery,  when 
the  efforts  of  a  few  misguided  zealots  caused  the  friends  of 
union  and  order  to  tremble  for  the  future." 

Dr.  Hall,  in  a  more  recent  despatch,  dated  October  15th, 
informed  the  Board,  that  perplexing  difficulties  had  arisen  in 
consequence  of  various  thefts  committed  by  the  natives,  iii 
which  the  culprits  were  screened  from  detection  and  punishment, 
by  their  king,  who  acted  very  deceitfully  on  the  occasion.  The 
colonists  were  dependent  on  these  people  for  the  rice  on  which 
they  subsisted;  and  ^'•et  the  agent  was  convinced  that  a  firm 
stand  must  be  taken,  and  justice  demanded  for  the  depredations 
of  the  people;  and  by  the  aid  of  a  shrewd  fellow,  by  the  name 
of  Davis,  things  were  so  managed,  that  many  of  the  stolen 
articles  were  privately  restored.  A  palaver  also  was  held,  and 
the  trade  which  had  been  interrupted  was  again  renewed,  and 
the  colony  obtained  an  adequate  supply  of  rice. 

The  custom  of  the  people  in  trying  and  punishing  persons 
accused  of  witchcraft,  shows  the  miserable  state  of  society 
among  these  people;  and  as  the  account  is  curious,  I  will 
subjoin  an  extract  from  Dr.  Hall's  letter  in  a  note.* 

*  "They  have  a  custom  like  our  pious  and  sapient  forefathers  of  Salem,  of  attri- 
bating-  all  the  great  calamities  of  life  to  witchcraft,  particularly  all  sudden  deatlis 
of  the  middle  aged  and  active.  In  such  cases,  the  greegree  man,  doctor,  or  grand 
devil,  synonymous  terms,  is  consulted,  and  he  points  out  the  witch  or  necromancer 
so  offending.  In  order  then  to  prove  whether  the  suspected  is  actually  guilty,  he  is 
compelled  to  drink  large  quantities  of  the  decoction  of  a  poisonous  tree,  called 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  419 

In  the  same  despatch,  Dr.  Hall  makes  some  remarks,  which 
appear  highly  worthy  of  the  attention  of  all  concerned  in  the 
colonization  of  the  free  people  of  colour  on  the  coast  of  Africa. 

saucy  wood.  Should  he  survive,  he  is  deemed  innocent;  but  otherwise,  should  it 
prove  fatal.  Quite  a  number  have  been  subjected  to  this  ordeal,  since  our  settle- 
ment here,  and  some  have  died  in  the  most  excruciating  tortures.  Should  the 
culprit  vomit  freely,  within  half  an  hour  or  so  after  taking  it,  before  it  has  time  to 
affect  the  system  or  influence  the  stomach,  he  experiences  but  little  inconvenience 
from  it.  But  should  it  remain  on  the  stomach  an  hour  or  two,  that  organ,  and  the 
whole  alimentary  canal,  become  highly  inflamed;  constant  and  violent  vomiting, 
and  purging  succeed,  and  continue  until  the  subject  is  completely  exhausted.  And 
to  add  greatly  to  his  misery,  he  is  placed,  at  the  moment  of  taking  the  decoction 
under  a  guard  of  soldiers,  who  keep  him  constantly  in  motion,  racing  about  on 
the  sand  beach  in  the  hot  sun,  hardly  allowing  him  rest  during  his  violent  evacua- 
tions. When  his  strength  begins  to  fail,  they  force  him  to  continue  his  move- 
ments by  sharp  sticks,  knives,  and  bayonets.  The  poor  wretch  now  becomes 
frantic,  and  vainly  attempts  revenge  upon  his  persecutors,  until  completely  over- 
come by  the  potency  of  the  poison  and  his  excessive  exertions,  he  sinks  upon  the 
sand,  and  expires  in  the  most  excruciating  agonies.  One  of  the  natives,  who  has 
frequently  officiated  as  soldier  of  the  guard  in  such  cases,  informed  me  that  the 
torments  of  the  victims  were  so  great,  in  the  last  stages,  that  the  guard  were 
frequently  obliged  to  go  to  a  distance,  and  turn  their  backs  that  they  might  not 
see  their  distortions,  or  hear  their  wailings  and  blasphemies.  Since  our  resi- 
dence here,  nine  months,  four  or  five  have  been  subjected  to  this  ordeal,  two 
cases  of  which  have  terminated  fatally.  But  a  few  days  since,  one  of  the  head- 
men, and  one  who  has  uniformly  befriended  the  colony,  was  arraigned  and  found 
guilty  of  bewitching  sundry  members  of  the  family  of  one  of  his  rivals,  and 
doomed  to  the  trial  of  saucy  wood.  He  had  taken  his  first  potion  before  I  was 
informed  of  it,  and  they  had  commenced  driving  him  about.  It  had  a  very 
severe  effect  upon  the  poor  fellow,  but  he  was  quite  comfortable  at  night.  But 
the  grand  devil  declared  that,  inasmuch  as  it  wrought  thus  hard  with  him,  he 
must  turn  to  and  take  it  again  on  the  morrow.  Being  informed  of  this,  I  went 
down  early  in  the  morning,  called  a  palaver,  and  endeavoured  to  have  the  man 
released.  But  all  reasoning,  entreaties,  gifts,  and  threatenings  were  of  no  avail. 
They  appeared  to  owe  him  a  deep  grudge,  which  nothing  but  his  death  could 
appease.  On  returning  home,  I  was  informed  that  they  have  an  ancient  rule 
something  like  this: — that  in  case  a  man  is  condemned  to  drink  saucy  wood, 
any  friend  of  superior  rank  or  standing,  can  clear  him  by  taking  him  by  the 
hand,  when  the  potion  is  about  to  be  administered ;  but  the  one  so  doing  takes 
upon  himself  the  responsibility,  and  is  liable  either  to  supply  his  place  or  pay 
heavy  damages.  In  this  case  the  king  wished  and  had  attempted  to  clear  Posso, 
the  prisoner,  but  he  knew  the  consequence  would  be  dangerous,  so  great  was  the 
excitement  against  him.  Upon  hearing  this,  I  immediately  set  off  for  the  sand 
beach,  and  arrived  just  as  they  were  driving  off  his  wives  and  children,  who  bad 
been  taking  their  last  farewell.  About  five  hundred  people  were  collected,  and 
formed  into  a  hollow  square,  in  the  midst  of  which  was  his  Satanic  Majesty  in 
full  panoply,  just  raising  a  two  gallon  pot,  filled  to  the  brim,  with  the  poisonous 
decoction,  to  the  lips  of  the  wretched  Posso.  Poor  fellow!  he  was  so  altered  from 
yesterday's  drenching,  and  the  dismal  prospect  before  him,  that  I  should  not  have 


420  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

"  Since  my  first  acquaintance  with  the  colony  at  Cape  Mesu- 
rado,  I  have  been  decidedly  of  of)inion,  that  unless  the  natives 
of  this  country  can  be  enlightened  and  improved;  unless  they 
can  be  raised  to  a  level  with  the  colonists,  and  amalgamate  with 
them,  colonization  will  prove  a  heavy  curse  to  both  parties. 
And,  inasmuch  as  it  does  not  seem  immediately  advantageous 
to  the  colonists  to  enlighten  the  natives,  we  cannot  expect  them 
to  use  any  great  exertions  to  do  it.  They  have  concerns  of 
their  own  to  attend  to,  and  can  only  influence  the  natives  by 
examples.  We  must  have  the  aid  of  missionaries  and  teachers, 
and  of  them  not  a  few.  Independent  of  the  welfare  of  the 
colony,  1  do  not  believe  there  is  a  place  on  the  globe  where 
missionary  labour  would  yield  so  great  a  reward.  The  popu- 
lation is  dense,  the  inhabitants  peaceable,  intelligent,  and  ex- 
tremely anxious  for  information;  and  there  is  no  bar  or  hin- 
drance whatever  to  the  most  full  and  ample  operations  of  the 

recognized  him  had  he  been  mixed  with  the  crowd  :  his  countenance  was  despair 
itself.  I  briefly  told  thctn,  that  if  any  one  had  any  palaver  for  Posso,  I  would 
satisfy  him  according  to  our  laws,  and  would  be  responsible  for  all  tiiat  they  could 
prove  against  him  :  tiien  taking  him  by  the  hand,  marched  him  off,  amid  the 
mingled  shouts  and  execrations  of  his  friends  and  persecutors.  This  one  circum- 
stance would  demonstrate  to  you  the  beneficial  influence  we  even  now  begin  to 
exert  among  the  natives,  and  that  our  hopes  of  overthrowing  their  barbarous  and 
long  established  customs,  are  not  visionary.  The  number  that  annually  fall 
victims  to  tlie  accursed  machinations  and  blind  zeal  of  these  greegree  men,  a 
compound  of  priests,  doctors,  and  devils,  is  incalculable.  During  the  nine  months 
since  our  arrival,  four  have  been  killed  in  this  way,  in  this  one  town;  and  within 
twenty  miles  of  us,  we  can  number  ten  or  fifteen  towns,  equally  large,  where  this 
business  is  practised  to  the  same  extent.  The  sacrifices  of  Juggernaut  cannot 
compare  with  this,  either  with  regard  to  the  number  of  victims,  or  the  horror  of 
the  sacrifice.  In  that  case,  it  is  a  religious  self-immolation ;  in  many  instances, 
stimulated  by  the  noblest  sentiments  of  our  nature.  The  victim,  in  fact,  dies  a 
religious  martyr,  and  glories  in  his  exit.  But  here,  the  innocent  falls  a  sacrifice 
to  vile  practice  and  jugglery,  and  suflers  a  shockingly  painful  and  inglorious 
death  as  a  criminal,  which  death  is  considered  by  these  deluded  people  as  an 
incontestable  proof  of  his  guilt  as  a  'witch  man,'  or  necromancer.  This  evil 
calls  loudly  for  a  remedy,  and  from  the  above  incident,  you  see  that  a  remedy  is 
practicable,  and  at  hand  too.  We  might  forcibly  put  a  stop  to  it  by  legal  enact- 
ments, but  this  is  not  expedient.  7^he  more  judicious  way  to  put  an  end  to  this, 
and  the  many  other  diabolical  and  cruel  practices  of  the  greegree  men,  is  to 
diff'use  light  and  information  among  the  majority  of  the  people.  This  course  is 
slow,  but  practicable  and  sure.  Many,  very  many,  of  the  more  intelligent  natives 
already  declare  that  they  will  have  nothing  to  do  with  such  business ;  but  still 
ihcy  are  overruled  by  the  rabble,  and  cry  out  earnestly  for  more  light.  And  to 
diff'use  this  light  seasonably,  tiie  colony,  unaided,  is  inadequate.  We  must  have 
assistance" 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  ^21 

missionary  and  philanthropist.  The  advantages  that  the  colony 
and  the  missionary  cause  will  mutually  derive  from  each  other 
are  incalculable.  The  missionary  alone,  surrounded  by  barba- 
rians, totally  dissimilar  in  every  mode  of  action  or  thought,  is 
viewed  as  a  supernatural  being,  and  although  they  may  ever 
so  much  admire  his  precepts  and  desire  improvement,  still,  so 
great  is  the  distance  between  what  they  are  and  would  be,  that 
the  task  seems  too  great  for  them  to  undertake,  their  resolution 
is  inadequate  to  it,  and  after  a  k\v  ineffectual  struggles,  despon- 
dency and  indifference  succeed  to  hope.  But  here  we  are  intro- 
ducing amongst  people,  many  of  whom  are  already  accustomed 
to  Europeans,  some  of  their  own  race,  possessing  the  advan- 
tages of  civilization,  acquired  even  during  a  period  of  slavery 
and  degradation.  Of  these  advantages,  I  assure  you,  the  natives 
are  fully  sensible,  and  they  are  sensible  too,  that  the  same  ad- 
vantages are  within  their  reach;  that  the  difference  between 
them  and  the  colonists  is  artificial,  and  that  the  barriers  to  their 
elevation'are  easily  surmounted.  Their  ambition  and  perse- 
verance are  adequate  to  this  task,  and  to  effect  it,  and  speedily 
too,  they  only  require  instruction — instruction  in  the  most  gene- 
ral sense  of  the  word.  To  preach  the  Christian  religion  to  them 
without  doing  any  thing  more,  in  their  present  state,  is  to  do 
nothing,  and  worse  than  nothing;  they  are  unable  to  appre- 
ciate its  excellencies,  and  would  place  it  and  its  preachers  on  a 
level  with  their  own  long  established  superstitions  and  their 
greegree  men.  They  must,  at  the  same  time,  possess  the  advan- 
tage of  acquiring  information  from  letters,  and  be  permitted  to 
pursue  any  branch  of  knowledge  most  agreeable  to  them;  they 
must  be  made  acquainted  with  the  minor  affairs  appertaining 
to  civilized  life,  ere  they  are  called  upon  to  change  their  religion, 
justly  esteemed,  both  by  the  barbarous  and  civilized,  the  most 
important  matter  connected  with  their  existence.  They  must, 
to  a  certain  extent,  be  made  acquainted  with  political  and  scien- 
tific facts,  and  be  convinced  of  their  errors  in  matters  that 
admit  of  de7no7islration,hGioxQ  we  demand  their  conviction  in 
matters  of  faith.  In  a  word,  to  conduct  the  affair  of  civilizing 
and  reclaiming  the  savage  and  barbarian,  it  requires  not  only  a 
Christian  and  philanthropist,  but  men  of  the  most  profound 
knowledge  of  the  human  character,  acquainted  with  the  world, 
men  of  experience  and  extensive  observation.  Nor  do  I  deem 
it  of  great  impoitance,  that  such  a  one  should  be  a  professional 
36 


422  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

man.  If  so,  the  profession  of  medicine  would  be  the  most  de- 
sirable. Probably  no  man  could  so  readily  acquire  the  confi- 
dence, and  exercise  a  general  influence  over  the  inhabitants  of 
this  coast,  as  an  industrious  and  intelligent  physician.  The 
remarks  of  Dr.  Philip,  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  settlement, 
upon  this  subject,  I  think  entitled  to  great  weight,  and  they 
ought  to  serve  as  a  guide  in  all  selections  of  men,  for  this  inte- 
resting and  important  undertaking." 

By  a  meteorological  table  kept  at  Cape  Palmas,  by  Dr.  Hall, 
it  appears  that  the  mercury  in  Farenheit's  thermometer  seldom 
rises  above  80°,  and  seldom  falls  lower  than  70°.  But  the  air 
is  refreshed  by  the  daily  sea  breezes;  and  except  in  the  rainy 
season,  the  weather  is  clear  and  serene.  Acclimated  persons 
are  seldom  ever  heard  to  complain  of  the  climate  as  too  warm: 
a  disagreeable  feeling  of  chilliness,  especially  in  damp  weather, 
is  much  more  common.  Woollen  clothes  are  very  comfortable 
during  a  large  portion  of  the  year,  and  are  very  much  in  use 
by  the  colonists  and  residents. 

Between  Cape  Palmas  and  Cape  Mesurado,  there  is  a  much 
wider  difference  of  climate  than  could  be  supposed  from  the 
small  difference  of  latitude,  and  great  similarity  of  the  coast. 
At  the  latter  place,  double  the  quantity  of  rain  falls  to  what 
does  in  the  former;  and  in  the  dry  season,  at  Cape  Palmas,  the 
air  is  frequently  refreshed  by  showers  of  rain,  whereas  at 
Mesurado,  there  are  several  months  during  which  no  rain 
occurs.  In  the  wet  season  also,  Maryland  (in  Africa)  has  an 
interval  of  several  days  of  dry  weather,  in  which  they  can 
house  the  crop  of  rice.  Tornadoes  are  frequent  in  February 
and  March,  but  they  are  no  more  nor  less  than  a  thunder 
storm  with  a  heavy  dash  of  rain  and  a  stiff  flaw  of  wind,  not 
amounting  to  what  seamen  would  call  a  severe  gale;  and  their 
continuance  is  seldom  more  than  half  an  hour.  Like  other 
storms,  they  come  on  sometimes  suddenly,  and  at  others,  give 
several  hours'  notice  of  their  approach.  Between  the  African 
tornado  and  West  India  hurricane,  there  is  no  comparison:  the 
houses  at  Monrovia  would  have  no  chance  to  stand  in  the  vio- 
lence of  the  hurricane,  but  are  seldom  injured  by  the  tornado. 
April,  May,  and  June,  are  the  rainy  months,  during  which  the 
wind  blows  steadily  day  and  night,  from  the  south;  and  this 
continues  with  little  variation,  through  July,  August,  and  Sep- 
tember.    July  and  August,  however,  are  cool  and  pleasant 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  423 

months.  About  the  end  of  December,  the  Harmattan  wind 
commences,  which  continues  from  three  to  fifteen  days,  during 
which  the  thermometer  never  varies  more  than  two  degrees, 
and  is  at  its  lowest  degree  on  the  scale,  say  from  70°  to  72°. 
Dr.  Hall  thinks  that  there  is  very  little  difference  between  the 
wet  and  dry  seasons,  as  it  relates  to  health:  every  one  ought  to 
expect  a  seasoning;  and  he  is  not  safe  from  the  danger,  under 
a  complete  year.  The  time  most  favourable  for  an  arrival,  as 
it  relates  to  agricultural  operations,  is  either  in  December  or 
May. 


CHAPTER   XXIV. 

CAPE  PALMAS. 

The  following  descriptive  letter  is  from  the  pen  of  Mrs.  Wilson, 
to  a  friend  in  Philadelphia. 

"  There  are  but  few  situations,  perhaps,  where  the  beauty 
and  majesty  of  nature  are  more  harmoniously  united.  On  the 
south,  and  very  near  our  door,  the  sea  rolls  up  its  waves  with 
majestic  power.  We  are  elevated  fifty  feet  above  the  water, 
and  between  us  and  it,  a  distance  of  one  of  your  Philadelphia 
squares,  we  have  a  very  pretty  but  irregular  descent.  On  the 
east  we  have  a  beautiful  salt  lake,  extending  as  far  as  the  eye 
can  reach  eastward,  but  not  more  than  the  eighth  of  a  mile  in 
width.  On  this  lake,  if  our  lives  are  spared,  we  hope  to  have 
many  canoe  excursions — for  I  have  a  fine  canoe,  presented  to 
me,  that  is  dry,  and  not  liable  to  capsize.  The  north  presents 
a  rich  and  verdant  plain,  through  which  winds  a  beautiful 
fresh  water  stream,  that  we  can  trace  with  the  eye  a  great 
distance,  from  the  piazza.  On  the  west,  we  see  at  one  view, 
three  native  towns  and  the  colonial  settlement.  Our  house  is 
small  and  crowded,  but  comfortable.  I  have  had  our  yard 
enclosed  with  a  substantial  fence,  which  enables  us  to  regulate 
the  excessive  visits  of  the  natives,  a  point  of  no  small  impor- 
tance, especially  during  our  sickness.      Many  of  the  native 


421  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

children  manifest  a  wish  to  learn,  but  we  have  been  able  to 
do  nothing  yet  in  the  way  of  instrnction.  The  king  makes  us 
frequent  visits,  but  observes  no  etiquette  whatever,  either  as 
to  the  hour  he  comes,  or  the  time  he  stays.  The  last  time  he 
Vv'^as  here,  I  affronted  liim  much  by  giving  him  his  dinner  in 
the  piazza.  I  sent  him  word  that  I  did  it  because  he  was  not 
very  decently  clad  at  that  time." 

Both  Mr.  and  JMrs.  Wilson  took  the  fever  of  the  climate,  and 
the  former  was  reduced  very  low,  and  for  four  months  was 
hardly  expected  to  recover;  so  that  these  devoted  missionaries 
began  to  think  seriously  of  a  return  to  America.  During  his 
whole  illness.  Dr.  Hall  was  indefatigable  in  his  attentions.  After 
his  recovery,  he  returned  to  his  labour  of  endeavouring  to  re- 
duce the  native  language  to  writing,  in  which  he  found  many 
difficulties.  Mrs.  Wilson  had  the  more  agreeable  task  of  pouring 
the  light  of  instruction  into  minds  long  shrouded  in  ignorance 
and  vice.  Concerning  her  pupils,  she  writes:  "We  have  erected 
a  small  room  just  outside  of  our  garden,  in  which  fifteen  native 
boys  assemble  every  morning  about  nine  o'clock.  Most  of  these 
are  boys  of  family  and  promise,  and  we  hope  in  a  year  or  two 
they  will  be  able  to  assist  us  in  enlightening  the  dark  minds  of 
their  countrymen.  You  would  not  be  a  little  surprised,  I  am 
sure,  at  their  improvement,  although  I  devote  a  small  part  of  the 
day  to  them.  My  health  is  sufficiently  established  to  remain  in 
the  school-room  three  or  four  hours  each  day.  I  wish  you  could 
hear  the  boys  singing  a  simple  hymn  I  have  taught  them,  com- 
mencing, 'Jesus  who  lives  above  the  sky,'  &c.,  to  the  tune  of 
Castle-street.  I  am  partial  to  this  tune,  having  heard  the  little 
Indians  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Case  sing  it.  And  you  would 
like  to  see  them  too,  as  they  seat  themselves  on  the  floor  in  their 
own  peculiar  way,  to  listen  to  what  I  have  to  tell  them  out  of 
the  Bible.  Mr.  Wilson  has  gained  great  ascendency  over  the 
minds  of  these  people.  They  call  him  the  'true  man,'  meaning 
he  never  changes  his  word.  While  Mr,  Wilson  was  sick,  they 
manifested  much  sympathy.  One  said,  'he  could  not  bear  to 
see  Mr.  Wilson  so  long  ill.'  They  were  sure  the  devil  was  in 
the  house,  and  they  had  been  up  all  night,  drumming,  and 
begging  his  majesty  to  retire  from  his  present  dwelling.  And 
when  Mr.  Wilson  began  to  grow  better,  they  rejoiced,  as  they 
believed  he  had  gone." 

There  is  something  indescribably  charming  in  the  style  of 


HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  425 

simplicity  and  uncomplaining  contentedness,  in  which  Mrs. 
Wilson  describes  her  afflictions  and  privations,  when  we  con- 
sider that  no  lady  in  America  was  brought  up  more  tenderly 
than  she  was.  Descended  from  a  family  as  truly  respectable 
and  estimable  as  any  in  this  country,  and  enjoying  every  pros- 
pect of  worldly  ease  and  comfort,  she,  under  the  constraining 
influence  of  the  love  of  her  Saviour,  resolved  to  devote  her  life 
to  the  conversion  of  the  heathen.  At  first,  she  and  her  sister, 
like  minded  with  herself,  offered  themselves  to  the  American 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions  to  go  out  single;  but  the  committee, 
doubting  the  expediency  of  sending  young  unmarried  females 
into  the  midst  of  the  heathen,  declined  receiving  them  under 
their  care.  But  Providence  had  in  view  a  better  plan  than  that 
which  they  in  their  zeal  had  devised;  for  each  of  them  a  com- 
panion and  protector,  devoted  to  the  same  glorious  object,  was 
provided.  But  to  return  to  Cape  Palmas.  JNIrs.  Wilson  describes 
to  her  correspondent  the  articles  on  which  she  daily  breakfasted: 
"Our  breakfast  consists  of  a  plate  of  rice  and  some  cold  bread. 
With  these  I  eat  molasses.  Mr.  Wilson  has  learned  to  eat  palm 
oil,  the  only  butter  in  Africa.  After  this  meal,  I  am  escorted 
by  a  number  of  my  scholars,  who  esteem  it  a  great  honour  to 
carry  the  chair  on  which  I  am  to  sit,  or  a  book,  or  a  card.  I 
am  now  where  I  have  wished  to  be,  and  I  think  I  never  was 
so  happy  as  within  the  last  three  months." 

Mr.  Wilson,  after  his  recovery  from  his  tedious  illness,  writes, 
August  4, 1835:  "The  date  of  my  last  was  the  7th  ultimo.  Since 
then  to  the  present  time,  our  little  family  have  enjoyed  uninter- 
rupted health,  and  our  prospects  of  living  and  being  useful  in 
this  country,  are  far  more  encouraging  than  they  were  a  few 
months  ago.  Our  health  is  so  good  at  present,  that  we  have 
felt  it  to  be  our  duty  to  commence  our  missionary  labours,  but 
we  shall  not  lose  sight  of  the  importance  of  preserving  our 
health  above  all  other  considerations.  My  wife,  and  her  coloured 
assistant,  have  commenced  a  small  day-school,  composed  partly 
of  natives  and  partly  of  the  children  of  the  colonists — twelve  or 
fifteen  in  all.  We  could  increase  the  number  of  native  chil- 
dren to  almost  any  extent,  but  we  thought  it  best  to  make  a 
small  beginning,  and  increase  as  circumstances  would  seem  to 
warrant.  The  native  scholars  are  such  as  have  attained  nearly 
to  manhood,  and  most  of  them  can  speak  intelligible  English. 
The  school  has  been  in  operation  two  weeks,  and  thus  far  the 
36* 


426  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

progress  of  the  native  scholars  is  quite  satisfactory.  At  present 
they  manifest  much  more  eagerness,  and  equally  as  much 
capacity,  as  the  American  children.  Besides  her  day-school, 
my  wife  superintends  two  Sabbath-schools — one  for  American 
children  in  the  forenoon,  and  one  in  the  afternoon  for  the  natives, 
who  understand  English  sufficiently  to  be  benefitted  by  her 
instrnctions."  Speaking  of  the  slave-trade,  he  says,  "Slavers 
hover  along  this  coast  like  so  many  birds  of  prey,  and  seize 
their  victims  under  the  eyes  of  Americans,  but  nobody  is  found 
for  their  relief.  The  inculcation  of  religion  among  these  people, 
will  rear  bulwarks  against  this  traffic  far  more  formidable  than  all 
the  force  that  civilized  nations  can  employ;  and  until  this  is  done, 
there  is  very  little  hope  of  its  termination.  But  I  must  stop  this 
subject.  My  heart  sickens  when  I  look  upon  the  wide  desola- 
tion around  me,  and  remember  the  apathy  of  my  dear  brethren 
at  home.  To  call  and  appeal  is  only  to  mingle  my  voice  with 
the  many  that  are  constantly  falling  upon  their  and  your  ears 
from  all  parts  of  the  pagan  world.  There  is  work  here  for 
twenty  men  instead  of  one. 

"The  colony,  I  think,  is  decidedly  prosperous,  and  the  disuse 
of  rum  will  relieve  it  from  many  embarrassments.  The  fears  I 
once  entertained  that  the  American  colonists  would  injure  and 
impose  upon  the  natives,  are  entirely  removed  by  the  convic- 
tion, that  the  latter  are  making  as  rapid  strides  in  the  march  of 
improvement  and  respectability  as  the  former.  The  native  boys 
in  our  school  are  very  ambitious  and  aspiring.  Several  of  them 
cari  read  a  little;  and  one  or  two  are  now  learning  to  write; 
and  we  have  constant  applications  to  increase  the  number  of 
scholars.  If  education  is  promoted  among  the  natives,  nothing 
need  be  apprehended  about  the  Americans  acquiring  an  over- 
bearing ascendency." 

The  colony  at  Cape  Palmas  continued  to  flourish  throughout 
the  year  1S35.  The  emigrants  who  went  out  in  the  Bourne 
and  in  the  Harmony,  passed  through  the  fever  without  the  loss 
of  a  single  person.  By  a  despatch  from  Dr.  Hall  shortly  be- 
fore he  left  the  colony,  it  appeared  that  he  had  made  treaties 
with  two  of  the  neighbouring  kings,  by  which  large  tracts  of 
territory  were  ceded  to  the  State  Society,  the  consideration 
being,  besides  the  trifling  presents  made  at  the  palavet^,  the 
advantages  which  the  kings  would  derive  from  the  establish- 
ment of  schools  for  their  people,  and  the  introduction  of  the  arts 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  427 

of  civilized  life.  A  treaty  was  also  made  witli  the  king  of  the 
Yeabreh  people  for  the  Balyemah  country,  which  gives  the  State 
Society  the  possession  of  both  banks  of  the  Cavally  for  some 
miles  above  its  mouth.  Dr.  Hall  had  also  the  address  to  obtain 
from  the  King  of  Half-Cavally,  a  tract  of  land  lying  like  a 
wedge  in  the  midst  of  the  Society's  possessions,  and  which  at 
first  he  had  positively  refused  to  sell.  This  land  was,  until 
purchased,  a  source  of  constant  uneasiness,  lest  it  should  come 
into  the  possession  of  those  who  would  there  establish  a  fac- 
tory for  the  sale  of  ardent  spirits,  prohibited  in  Maryland  in 
Liberia.  In  all  these  treaties,  provision  was  made  for  continu- 
ing in  the  possession  of  the  natives,  their  towns  and  cultivated 
fields,  which  lay  within  the  ceded  territory;  for  it  was  the 
policy  of  the  society  to  attempt  to  civilize  the  natives,  and  to 
amalgamate  them  by  degrees  with  the  colonists  from  America, 
but  to  have  them  all  under  the  control  of  the  governor  of 
Maryland  in  Liberia.  In  this  despatch  Dr.  Hall  gives  further 
information  respecting  the  river  Cavally,  He  says,  "  It  is  a 
noble  stream,  navigable  for  vessels  drawing  twelve  feet  water, 
at  all  seasons,  as  high  up  as  the  cataract  at  Fayebank." 

The  extent  of  territory  acquired  before  Dr.  Hall  resigned  his 
agency,  was  about  five  hundred  square  miles.  In  the  Balye- 
mah cession  is  the  oracle  of  the  whole  country.  Dr.  Hall  visit- 
ed the  spot,  and  found  it  to  be  a  large  rock,  from  which,  by 
means  of  a  rude  ventriloquism,  possessed  by  the  attending 
priest,  a  sound  was  made  to  proceed,  which  the  priest  interpre- 
ted as  it  pleased  him.  To  the  ignorant  natives,  this  rock,  situa- 
ted in  a  wild  country,  seems  invested  with  intelligence,  and 
hence  its  sanctity.  The  oracle  of  Delphos  is  thus  revived  on 
the  coast  of  Africa,  in  Balyemah. 

The  influence  which  the  colony  had  already  acquired  over 
the  superstitious  minds  of  the  natives,  was  manifest  by  a  fact 
which  took  place  while  Dr.  Hall  was  on  his  visit  up  the  river 
Cavally.  On  the  night  on  which  he  arrived  at  the  chief  town  of 
the  King  of  Haidee,  the  brother  of  the  king  died;  and  in  conse- 
quence one  of  the  natives  was,  next  day,  sentenced  to  undergo 
the  ordeal  by  poison,  on  suspicion  of  being  the  cause  of  his 
death.  Through  the  exertions  of  Dr.  Hall  this  man  was  saved 
from  the  cruel  and  dangerous  process,  which  consists  in  drink- 
ing vast  draughts  of  a  liquor,  into  which  a  red  poisonous  pow- 
der is  infused.     If  he  survives  the  operation  he  is  considered 


428  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

innocent.  In  most  cases,  however,  it  causes  speedy  death,  and 
then  the  guilt  of  the  accused  person  is  considered  as  confirmed. 
Considering  the  high  rank  of  the  deceased,  and  the  prejudices 
of  tlie  people,  it  evinced  a  great  respect  for  the  governor  to  let 
the  suspected  man  go  free  at  his  request.  Through  all  western 
Africa,  the  poor  people  are  more  oppressed  by  this  dreadful 
superstition,  which  ascribes  almost  every  death  and  calamity  to 
witchcraft,  than  by  all  other  causes,  except  the  nefarious  slave 
trade. 

In  a  letter  from  William  Floyd  Burt,  supercargo  of  the  brig 
Eliza,  of  New  York,  to  a  friend  in  that  city,  we  have  the  testi- 
mony of  a  disinterested  witness  to  several  facts  worthy  of  being 
noticed  in  this  history.  "  It  is  well  known  to  you,"  says  he, 
"that  but  few  years  have  elapsed,  since  it  was  considered  cer- 
tain death  for  at  least  one-half  of  the  crews  of  all  African  mer- 
chant ships,  (to  visit  this  coast,)  and  the  cause  I  do  sincerely 
believe  was  the  use  of  rum.  Now,  crews  for  this  trade  are 
almost  uniformly  shipped  with  the  prohibition  of  rnm;  and  I 
know  of  many  vessels  returning  to  New  York  without  the  loss 
of  a  man,  and  in  fact,  no  record  on  the  log,  of  sickness  on  board 
the  whole  voyage.  Temperance  in  eating  and  drinking,  avoid- 
ing exposure  to  the  sun,  and  violent  exercise,  and  making  it  a 
general  rule  not  to  be  on  shore  after  night-fall,  and  I  believe 
one  may  prosecute  a  voyage  on  the  coast  of  Africa  with  as 
much  safety  as  in  any  part  of  the  world."  ....  "  It  is  really 
astonishing  that  our  government  should  permit  settlements  of 
her  own  citizens  to  remain  unprotected  on  this  coast,  when 
they  might  be  protected  and  fostered  at  so  little  expense;  and 
next  to  slavery,  I  consider  it  the  greatest  stigma  on  our  na- 
tional character.  But  to  return  to  the  colony.  But  eighteen 
months  have  elapsed  since  the  present  governor.  Dr.  Hall,  land- 
ed on  this  coast  with  about  thirty  men  and  boys,  and  made  a 
purchase  of  a  large  extent  of  territory,  without  inserting  the 
article  rum  in  the  list  of  purchase  money,  and  it  (the  colony) 
has  been  supported  and  prospered  without  that  article  being 
allowed  in  the  colony  in  any  way.  Being  but  little  acquainted 
with  the  new  settlements,  you  may  not  place  much  confidence 
in  my  judgment;  but  I  doubt  much  if  any  town  in  our  western 
country,  has  made  equal  progress  with  this,  in  the  same  time, 
with  the  expenditure  of  twice  the  amount  of  capital.  But  to 
confine  myself  to  facts: — This  village,  now  eighteen  months  old, 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  429 

contains  twentj'-three  framed  dwelling  houses,  of  one  and  two 
stories;  one  two  story  stone  dwelling  house,  and  a  commodious 
framed  weather-boarded  and  thatched  meeting  house,  independ- 
ent of  the  agency  buildings,  which  are  a  fine  two  story  residence 
for  the  governor,  suitable  out-houses,  and  a  large  forty-feet 
two  story  stone  warehouse,  handsomely  finished  on  the  inside, 
which  would  do  honour  to  any  of  our  wharves.  There  are  three 
well  constructed  receptacles  for  emigrants;  two  of  seventy-five 
feet  length  each,  and  one  of  a  hundred  and  twenty  feet.  The 
latter  stands  on  a  public  farm,  about  half  a  mile  from  the  vil- 
lage, on  which  are  being  erected  a  two  story  dwelling  house 
for  the  farming  agent,  and  a  strong  jail.  On  the  farm  lands, 
about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  Harper,  are  nine  dwelling  houses, 
occupied  by  late  emigrants;  and  I  should  judge  that  there  are 
fifty  acres  of  land  under  good  cultivation;  which  in  a  short 
time  will  supply  a  sufliciency  of  vegetable  food  for  the  whole 
colony.  When  I  have  said  this  much,  it  will  be  unnecessary 
to  add,  that  the  people  are  enterprising  and  mdustrious,  and  the 
affairs  of  the  colony  well  conducted. 

"There  are  two  schools  in  the  colony,  which  are  attended 
both  by  colonists  and  natives,  and  I  am  informed  that  they  both 
make  rapid  progress.  That  the  natives  lack  not  zeal  in  any 
matter,  I  am  well  assured,  from  seeing  men  of  twenty  and  thirty 
years  of  age  with  their  slate  and  cards,  conning  their  alphabet. 

"There  is  a  missionary  establishment  here  under  the  care  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson,  who,  together  with  his  lady,  appear  to  be 
admirably  well  adapted  by  their  conciliating  manners,  to  win 
the  affections  of  the  natives,  which  is  indispensable  to  effect 
any  change  in  their  character.  They  both  apparently  enjoy 
good  health,  having  become  quite  naturalized,  although  not  a 
year  has  elapsed  since  they  landed.  The  natives,  although 
reported  to  be  the  most  dangerous  this  side  of  St.  Andrew's 
Bay,  are  now  perfectly  friendly  and  peaceable,  and  look  up  to 
the  governor  of  the  colony  as  to  a  father.  The  king  made  us  a 
visit  on  board,  dressed  in  a  shirt,  pantaloons,  and  a  New  York 
cut  black  coat,  surmounted  by  two  tarnished  epaulettes,  a  tri- 
cocked  hat,  and  long  red  plume. 

"The  natural  advantages  of  Cape  Palmas  are  greater  than 
those  of  any  other  point  on  the  coast.  The  anchorage  and 
landing  are  decidedly  the  best  I  have  seen ;  and,  although  it 
has  little  trade  now,  except  palm  oil,  yet  from  its  shuation, 


430  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

being  the  connecting  link  between  the  leeward  and  windward 
coasts,  it  must  one  day  command  the  main  trade  of  both,  and 
become  a  depot  for  immense  quantities  of  merchandize  to  be 
distributed  by  small  colonial  crafts,  from  one  to  two  hundred 
miles,  each  way."* 

By  a  still  later  communication  from  Dr.  Hall,  by  Captain 
Pawlin,  of  the  brig  Susan  Elizabeth,  it  appeared  that  the  colony 
continued  to  flourish.  The  doctor  says,  "I  am  now  able  to 
assure  you,  that  we  continue  to  prosper;  and,  I  believe  I  may 
truly  say,  that  every  month  of  our  existence,  witnesses  an 
increase  of  energy,  industry,  and  contentment,  among  the  fine 
inhabitants  of  our  little  settlement."  And  Captain  Pawlin  gave 
to  the  Board  a  very  decided  testimony  in  favour  of  the  colony. 
"The  Maryland  plan,"  says  he,  "is  superior  to  all  others.  The 
colony  is  growing  finely.  All  is  health,  activity,  and  pros- 
perity." 

One  of  the  greatest  difficulties  experienced  in  the  colony,  was 
the  want  of  a  convenient  circulating  medium.  All  traffic  was 
necessarily  by  barter,  which  often  led  to  injustice.  "The  person 
who  wanted  to  buy  a  piece  of  cotton  goods  may  have  nothing 
but  rice  to  give  in  exchange  for  it;  and  he  who  had  the  cotton 
goods  to  sell,  might  not  want  the  rice  at  that  time.  One  of 
them,  therefore,  must  make  a  sacrifice  of  his  property,  to  induce 
the  other  to  receive  it  in  exchange  when  he  did  not  want  the 
article." 

To  obviate  this  difficulty,  the  Board  of  Managers  made  cotton, 
of  the  growth  of  the  colony,  a  legal  tender,  at  the  rate  of  ten 
cents  a  pound.  The  country  being  admirably  adapted  to  the 
growth  of  this  article,  it  was  thought  that  such  an  ordinance 
would  have  a  happy  effect  in  promoting  its  culture.  The  ordi- 
nance adopted  by  the  Board,  provided  for  the  appointment  of 
discreet  persons  to  be  inspectors  of  cotton,  to  any  one  of  whom 
all  differences  in  regard  to  the  quality  or  weight  of  the  cotton 
should  be  submitted. 

During  the  year  1S36  the  Maryland  Colonization  Society  sent 
two  ships  to  Cape  Palmas.  The  schooner  Financier,  with  sev- 
enteen emigrants,  sailed  on  the  9th  of  July,  and  the  brig  Niobe, 
with  thirty-two  emigrants,  sailed  in  October  following.  In 
the  Financier  went  out  Simleh  Ball,  a  head-man,  whom  King 
Freeman  had  sent  to  this  country  to  see  whether  all  those  things 
were  true  which  the  Society's  Agent  had  reported  in  Africa 

*  Fourth  Report,  p.  74. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  431 

concerning  the  power  of  the  white  man;  and  to  see  whether 
there  was  a  large  number  of  Africans  in  slavery  here.  After 
remaining  two  months  he  sailed  in  the  Financier,  highly  grati- 
fied with  what  he  had  seen  and  heard,  deeply  impressed  with 
the  power  of  the  Americans,  and  furnished  with  a  short  and 
simple  code  of  laws,  adapted  to  the  wants  and  within  the  com- 
prehension of  the  unlettered  and  uncivilized  people  for  whom 
they  were  compiled. 

The  Niobe,  besides  the  emigrants,  carried  out  the  Rev.  David 
White  and  lady,  missionaries  of  the  American  Board  of  Com- 
missioners for  Foreign  Missions,  and  Dr.  Savage,  missionary  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  Mr.  White  also  took  with 
him  an  intelligent  coloured  man,  educated  as  a  printer,  to  man- 
age the  press  sent  to  the  colony  by  the  American  Board  of 
Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions.  The  Methodist  Protest- 
ant Church  appointed  David  James,  a  coloured  man,  one  of  the 
emigrants  in  this  vessel,  of  exemplary  character  and  excellent 
abilities,  their  agent,  with  a  view  of  preparing  the  way  for  more 
extensive  missionary  operations. 

During  this  year  the  society  added  a  large  tract  to  the  terri- 
tory, which  now  extended  on  both  sides  of  the  Cavally  river 
from  the  ocean  to  Denhah,  a  town  thirty  miles  up  the  river. 

It  now  became  necessary  to  appoint  a  permanent  successor 
to  Dr.  Hall,  as  the  Agent  of  the  Society,  and  as  Governor  of 
Maryland  in  Liberia,  Dr.  Holmes's  appointment  being  merely 
temporary.  After  mature  deliberation  John  B.  Russwurm  of 
Monrovia,  of  whom  we  have-before  given  an  account,  was  ap- 
pointed. 

In  the  year  1837  there  were  two  expeditions  to  Maryland 
in  Liberia.  The  brig  Baltimore  sailed  on  the  17th  of  May 
with  fifty-five  emigrants,  and  on  the  28th  of  November  the 
Niobe  made  her  second  voyage,  with  eighty-six  emigrants. 
The  Baltimore,  according  to  the  report,  carried  out  morally  and 
physically  one  of  the  best  and  strongest,  as  well  as  the  most 
thoroughly  furnished  expeditions  that  had  yet  left  the  United 
States  for  Africa.  The  Baltimore  carried  out  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Payne  and  wife,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Minor  as  missionaries. 

About  this  time  there  arose  among  the  coloured  people  of  the 
State  a  feeling  adverse  to  emigration  to  Africa.  The  report 
thus  speaks  of  the  opposition  which  the  agents  met  with  in  tra- 
versing the  State.     "  Upon  arriving  in  a  neighbourhood  to  be 


432  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

visited,  the  agent  would  at  once  address  himself  to  the  free 
coloured  people,  and  explain  to  them  the  design  of  colonization, 
and  make  statements  in  regard  to  Africa,  its  climate,  soil,  and 
productions,  and  the  privileges  granted  by  the  society  to  those 
who  emigrated  to  the  colony.  In  most  instances  the  persons 
thus  addressed,  would  hear  with  kindness  what  was  told  them 
by  the  agent;  many  would  express  a  willingness  to  emigrate, 
and  some  would  at  once  put  their  names  upon  the  list  for  the 
next  expedition.  In  this  situation  would  the  agent  leave  them, 
and  after  completing  his  round,  would  return  to  assist  those 
whom  he  had  first  visited,  and  who  proposed  to  emigrate,  in 
making  their  preparations.  But  in  every  instance  he  would 
find  that  an  antagonist  had  been  at  work  in  his  absence,  and 
that  the  minds  of  the  coloured  people  had  in  the  interval  been 
filled  with  ideas,  which  it  was  difficult  if  not  impossible  to  eradi- 
cate in  the  time  he  could  devote  to  the  purpose;  that  calumnies 
and  falsehoods,  prepared  with  art,  and  suited  to  the  prejudices 
of  those  for  whom  they  were  intended,  had  been  uttered  by 
persons  whom  it  was  impossible  to  identify,  and  who  could 
only  be  traced  in  their  course  by  the  mischief  they  had  done. 
It  seemed  at  last  to  the  agent,  and  was  so  reported  by  him  to 
the  Board  of  Managers,  as  though  Abolition,  instead  of  seeking 
openly  to  make  converts  in  Maryland,  had  endeavoured  to  pro- 
mote its  views  by  watching,  following,  and  counteracting  the 
agents  of  the  Colonization  Society.  This  state  of  things,  how- 
ever, has  been  gradually  changing,  and  the  last  expedition  of 
eighty-four,  all  from  JNIaryland,  gives  evidence  of  a  spirit  among 
the  people  of  colour,  that  promises  as  large  and  constant  an 
emigration  as  the  means  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  managers 
of  the  State  fund,  with  such  as  can  be  obtained  from  individual 
benevolence,  will  enable  the  State  Society  to  meet." 

The  appointment  of  Mr.  Russwurm  as  Governor  of  Maryland 
in  Africa,  proved  a  wise  step  on  the  part  of  the  colony.  Dr. 
Hall,  in  writing  to  the  Board  of  Managers,  says,  "  There  is  one 
point  on  which  the  gentlemen  of  the  Board  have  felt  much 
anxiety,  which  I  doubt  not  ere  this  has  abated,  I  mean  the  ap- 
pointment of  a  coloured  agent.  In  addition  to  the  satisfaction  of 
having  my  own  prediction  fulfilled  in  the  so  far  able  administra- 
tion of  Mr.  Russwurm,  I  have  been  gratified  to  find  the  mea- 
sure approved  of,  by  the  leading  men  in  every  settlement  which 
I  have  visited  on  the  coast,  and  by  all  masters  of  vessels  with 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  433 

whom  I  have  had  any  intercourse;  but  more  particularly  by 
the  merchants  at  Cape  Coast,  to  whom  Mr.  Russwurm  had 
been  known  as  a  man  of  business  and  a  gentleman.  To  sum 
the  whole  matter  up,  I  think  that  the  colony  was  never  in  a 
more  prosperous  condition  than  at  present,  and  I  expect  and  con- 
fidently believe  that  ere  the  period  of  its  existence  shall  be 
doubled,  all  the  exciting  anxiety  to  hear  from  it  will  be  swal- 
lowed up  in  confidence,  and  its  success  established."  Our 
limits  will  not  allow  us  to  carry  on  the  history  of  this  colony 
further,  our  main  object  being  the  history  of  the  American  Col- 
onization Society. 


CHAPTER   XXV. 


AFFAIRS  AT  HOME. 


The  Seventeenth  Annual  Meeting  of  the  American  Colonization. 
Society  took  place  in  Washington,  20th  of  January,  1834,  in  the 
Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives;  and  on  several  accounts 
was  exceedingly  interesting.  Several  speeches  of  great  length 
and  earnest  animation  were  delivered,  particularly  by  the  Rev. 
R.  J.  Breckinridge,  and  Gerritt  Smith,  Esq.  The  address  of 
the  latter  of  these  two  gentlemen  deserves  particular  attention, 
because,  in  a  short  time  after  it  was  delivered,  he  changed  his 
views,  attached  himself  to  the  Anti-Slavery  Society  of  New 
York,  and  was  soon  placed  at  the  head  of  that  institution;  and 
ever  since  has  been  a  determined  opposer  of  the  Colonization' 
Society,  of  which  he  had  long  been  one  of  the  most  zealous- 
and  munificent  patrons.  It  is  somewhat  remarkable,  that  Mr, 
Birney's  closing  Letters  on  Colonization,  already  referred  tOy 
were  directed  against  the  abolitionists;  but  they  were  scarcely 
given  to  the  public,  before  the  writer,  suddenly  changing  his 
long  cherished  views  and  sentiments  in  favour  of  colonization, 
attaches  himself  to  those  against  whom  he  had  wielded  his  pen, 
and  becomes  an  ardent  opposer  of  the  cause  which  he  had  so 
lately  ably  defended.  And  a  similar  instance  of  conversion  we 
37 


434  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

have  in  Gerritt  Smith,  Esq.  In  his  anniversary  speech  at  Wash- 
ington, he  speaks  of  the  pubhcations  of  the  Anti-Slavery  So- 
ciety in  the  following  terms:  "Among  its  publications  are  some 
admirable  vindications  of  the  rights  of  man,  which  cannot  be 
scattered  too  widely  and  thickly;  but  no  small  proportion  of 
them  are  ill-judged,  rash,  uncharitable,  and  slanderous ;  and 
some  of  them  in  truth  cannot  be  called  less  than  incendiary." 
He  then  proceeds  as  follows:  "  I  said  tliat  the  Anti-Slavery  So- 
ciety had  greatly  wronged  us.  I  believe  that  the  wise  and  good 
among  its  members,  (and  it  comprises  many  such,)  are  sensible 
of  it.  They  have,  to  an  undue  extent,  held  our  society  responsible 
for  the  speeches  and  acts  of  its  individual  members.  They  have, 
as  it  seems  to  me, created  a  strong  prejudice  against  our  society, 
by  harping  on  the  fact,  that  ardent  spirit  is  sold  in  Liberia. 

"  Some  of  the  charges  brought  against  us  by  members  of  the 
Anti-Slavery  Society,  and  by  the  Society  itself,  make  so  ludi- 
crously large  draughts  on  the  public  credulity,  that  one  can 
hardly  notice  them  seriously.  Such  is  the  charge,  that  two 
hundred  and  sixty-five  thousand  of  those  now  in  slavery, 
would  have  been  free  ere  this  time,  were  it  not  for  the  influ- 
ence which  the  Colonization  Society  exerts  in  favour  of  slavery. 
I  need  not  detain  you  with  the  reasoning  employed  to  substan- 
tiate this  charge;  for  the  reasoning  which  results  in  such  a  con- 
ckision  cannot  be  very  edifying. 

"  Another  of  these  charges,  which  it  requires  the  credulity  of 
'the  Jew  Apella'  to  swallow,  is,  (I  will  repeat  the  precise  lan- 
guage of  tlie  charge,)  that  'all  colonies  on  the  African  coast,  of 
whatsoever  description,  must  tend  to  support  the  slave-trade."' 

But  although  Mr.  Smith,  at  this  time,  seems  to  have  been 
honestly  opposed  to  the  Anti-Slavery  Society,  yet  it  is  very 
manifest  from  the  accusations  which  he  brings  against  the 
Colonization  Society,  that  his  attachment  to  it  was  already  on 
the  wane.  It  is  evident,  that  although  he  disapproved  of  some 
of  the  publications,  and  of  some  of  the  measures  of  the  aboli- 
tionists, he  was  already  infected  with  their  spirit;  and  that  with 
such  sentiments  and  feelings  as  now  actuated  him,  he  only 
needed  some  exciting  occasion  to  transfer  him  from  the  ranks 
of  colonization  to  those  of  abolition.  Such  an  occasion  soon 
occurred  in  the  rude  violence  offered  to  the  Anti-Slavery  Con- 
vention at  Utica.  Mr.  Smith's  feelings  of  indignation  against 
such  injustice  and  outrage,  induced  him  to  invite  the  conven- 


HISTORY   OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  435 

tion  to  meet  at  Peterborough,  his  own  place  of  residence. 
Henceforward,  he  became  identified  with  them,  and  in  a  short 
time  was  placed  at  the  head  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Society.  It 
surely  could  not  be  the  violence  of  a  mob,  who  had  no  con- 
nexion with  the  Colonization  Society,  which  so  suddenly  and 
completely  alienated  him  from  a  society  to  which  he  was  once 
so  much  attached,  and  to  which  he  had  been  recently  so  liberal 
a  benefactor.  But  it  cannot  be  denied,  that  Mr.  Smith  is  an 
honourable  man:  all  his  pecuniary  engagements  to  the  Coloni- 
zation Society  were  amply  and  speedily  fulfilled;  and  now  the 
Anti-Slavery  Society  shares  his  munificence  as  largely  as  once 
did  the  Colonization  Society. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  society  in  1834,  a  committee,  appointed 
to  prepare  a  new  constitution,  reported  the  draught  of  a  con- 
stitution, which  was  discussed,  article  by  article,  and  adopted. 
The  provisions  of  the  new  constitution  were  extremely  simple, 
and  free  from  such  regulations  as  only  serve  to  trammel  socie- 
ties in  their  operations. 

The  articles  were  only  nine  in  number.  The  first  merely 
relates  to  the  name;  the  second  defines  the  design  and  object  of 
the  institution;  the  third  specifies  the  sum  which  should  be 
sufficient  to  constitute  any  citizen  of  the  United  States  a  life- 
member;  the  fourth,  fifth,  sixth,  and  seventh,  designate  the 
officers  of  the  society,  and  prescribe  their  duties;  the  eighth 
relates  to  the  Board  of  Managers,  their  powers  and  duties;  and 
the  ninth  provides  for  the  formation  of  auxiliary  societies. 

Mr.  Gerritt  Smith  introduced  a  number  of  resolutions  in- 
tended to  elicit  information  on  various  points  not  included  in 
the  annual  report — as,  1.  The  number  of  persons  who  have 
emigrated  to  Liberia.  2.  The  number  who  have  died  on  the 
passage.  3.  The  whole  population  of  the  colony,  and  how  it 
is  made  up.     4.  The  number  of  lawful  marriages  in  the  colony. 

5.  The  number  of  persons  convicted  of  crimes  of  a  high  grade. 

6.  The  value  of  exports  and  imports.  7.  The  amount  of  agri- 
cultural productions,  during  the  last  five  years.  8.  The  number 
of  colonists  now  worth  five  thousand  dollars;  and  also  the  num- 
ber worth  ten  thousand.  9.  The  proportion  of  agriculturists 
and  mechanics.  It  was  resolved,  that,  hereafter,  the  Reports  of 
the  Board  shall  contain  statistical  information  on  all  the  points 
specified. 

The  Seventeenth  Annual  Report  mentions,  with  due  respect 


436  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

to  his  memory,  the  decease  of  the  Rev.  Stephen  Balch,  D.  D.,  of 
Georgetown.  The  following  is  the  testimony  of  the  Board  of 
Managers  to  tlie  worth  of  this  venerable  man,  who  had  been 
a  member  from  the  first  institution  of  the  society. 

"  The  name  of  the  Rev.  Stephen  Balch,  D.  D.,  is  deeply  en- 
graven on  the  hearts  of  the  members  of  this  society,  and  of  this 
community;  and  with  it  are  associated  recollections  of  a  charac- 
ter in  which  were  happily  combined  vigorous  powers  of  intel- 
lect, with  all  the  Christian  virtues.  In  him,  strict  integrity  and 
unbending  firmness  were  softened  and  made  attractive  by 
candour,  meekness,  charity,  and  a  simplicity  that  knew  no 
guile.  His  consistency  of  conduct  was  remarkable;  the  feelings 
of  childhood  softened  the  rigours  of  age;  and  amidst  the  trials 
to  wliich  he  was  occasionally  exposed,  his  soul  dwelt  in  seren- 
ity, and  the  light  of  an  uninterrupted  cheerfulness  shed  a 
charm  over  his  protracted  life. 

"  In  contributing  to  found  this  institution,  and  from  its  origin 
to  conduct  its  operations.  Dr.  Balch  exhibited  that  enlarged 
benevolence  towards  men,  and  that  confidence  in  God,  by 
which  alone  individuals  are  prepared  to  engage  successfully  in 
enterprises  difficult  of  accomplishment,  and  promising  their 
largest  benefits  to  future  generations  of  mankind.  He  hath 
entered  into  rest,  walking  in  his  uprightness." 

During  the  preceding  year,  the  managers  reported  to  the 
society,  that  several  expeditions  had  been  despatched  to  Liberia. 
The  brig  Ajax,  Captain  W.  H.  Taylor,  with  a  hundred  and 
fifty  emigrants  had  sailed  from  Norfolk,  Virginia,  in  April.  Of 
these,  one  hundred  and  two  were  from  Kentucky;  forty-four 
from  Tennessee;  and  the  remainder  from  New  Orleans,  St. 
Louis,  and  Ohio.  More  than  ninety  of  those  from  Kentucky 
were  manumitted  slaves,  and  several  of  those  from  Tennessee. 
Of  the  whole  number,  only  six  were  above  fifty  years  of  age, 
and  but  five  between  forty  and  fifty;  and  the  whole  company 
of  the  most  respectable  character.  During  their  passage,  they 
enjoyed  the  best  accommodations  and  were  accompanied  by 
Mr.  H.  D.  King,  an  agent  from  Tennessee,  who  went  out  to 
ascertain  for  himself  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the  colony  ; 
and  also  by  Mr.  A.  H.  Savage,  of  Ohio,  who  had  most  benevo- 
lently devoted  himself  to  the  moral  and  intellectual  improve- 
ment of  the  people  of  colour  in  Africa.  Unhappily,  the  cholera 
was  prevailing  at  New  Orleans,  when  these  emigrants  arrived, 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  437 

and  no  less  than  twenty-nine  of  them  fell  victims  to  this 
mysterious  and  fatal  disease,  which  has  traversed  the  world 
in  its  destructive  career.  In  consequence  of  some  delay  at 
one  of  the  West  India  Islands,  the  Ajax  did  not  arrive  at 
Liberia,  until  some  time  in  July. 

In  May,  the  brig  American,  Captain  Abels,  sailed  from  Phila- 
delphia, with  a  small  company  of  emigrants,  mostly  from  the 
state  of  New  York.  Among  the  emigrants  was  a  venerable 
old  man  from  Littleton,  New  Hampshire,  who  had  for  years 
been  deeply  affected  by  the  condition  of  his  African  brethren. 
This  old  man  was  anxious  to  visit  that  benighted  country,  in 
the  hope  of  imparting  to  them  a  knowledge  of  the  true  God 
and  only  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

The  ship  Jupiter  also  sailed  from  Norfolk  on  the  5th  of 
November,  with  fifty  emigrants;  forty-four  of  whom  were 
liberated  slaves,  most  of  them  from  Virginia.  In  this  vessel 
sailed  Dr.  Todsen,  the  colonial  physician,  the  Rev.  John  Piri- 
ney,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Cloud  and  Laird,  with  the  wife  of  Mr. 
Laird,  and  Mr.  John  Temple,  a  man  of  colour,  missionaries 
of  the  Western  Missionary  Society  of  the  Presbyterian  church. 
Also,  Rev.  Messrs.  Spaulding  and  Wright,  with  their  wives, 
and  a  young  lady,  as  assistant;  missionaries  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church. 

This  vessel  was  followed,  in  a  few  days,  by  the  brig  Argus, 
Captain  Peters,  with  fifty-one  emigrants,  thirty-five  of  whom 
were  manumitted  slaves,  and  nearly  the  whole  number  from 
Maryland,  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  Virginia. 

The  health  of  the  colonists  had  suffered  much  during  the 
year;  and  the  mortality  among  the  emigrants  by  the  latest 
expeditions  had  been  unusually  great.  Out  of  six  hundred 
and  forty-nine  emigrants,  one  hundred  and  thirty-four  died. 
Though  all  were  more  or  less  subject  to  the  fever,  those  who 
came  from  the  northern  parts  of  the  United  States  suffered 
by  far  the  most.  This  extraordinary  mortality,  it  was  supposed, 
might  be  attributed  in  a  considerable  degree  to  the  fact,  that 
there  was  no  skilful  physician  present  in  the  colony.  Dr. 
Todsen  had  paid  a  visit  to  the  United  States,  and  Dr.  Hall 
whom  he  left  in  Liberia,  was  obliged  to  return  on  account  of 
his  own  health.  The  whole  duty  of  rendering  medical  aid 
devolved,  therefore,  on  the  colonial  agent.  Dr.  Mechlin,  who  had 
duties  sufficiently  numerous  and  arduous  in  his  own  department 
37* 


43S  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

*to  occupy  all  his  time  and  attention;  and  in  addition,  he  him- 
self was  visited  with  frequent  attacks  of  disease;  and  the  sick 
were  separated  so  far  apart,  that  it  was  impossible  for  him  to 
attend  upon  them.  The  emigrants  too,  were  imprudent,  and 
did  not  sufficiently  guard  against  the  exciting  causes  of  fever; 
especially  those  from  the  Southern  parts  of  the  United  States, 
who  supposed  that  they  were  not  liable  to  be  attacked  by  the 
African  fever.  And  when  sick,  instead  of  following  the  advice 
of  those  in  the  colony  who  had  experience,  they  listened  to 
those  of  their  own  number  who  professed  to  have  skill. 

Br.  Mechlin  was  of  opinion  that  Bassa  Cove  was  a  much 
healthier  site  for  the  landing  of  emigrants  than  Monrovia:  and 
here,  as  has  been  related,  a  considerable  tract  of  land  had  been 
purchased.  This  was  recently  much  enlarged  by  the  wise 
policy  of  the  agent;  so  that  the  territory  extended  fifteen  miles 
into  the  interior  on  the  Benson's  river,  and  included  between 
one  hundred  and  fifty  and  two  hundred  square  miles  of  the 
best  land,  with  two  eligible  mill-seats,  and  abounding  with  the 
best  timber.  Concerning  this  land,  the  agent,  in  one  of  his 
despatches,  says:  "For  fertility  of  soil  and  the  facilities  for 
procuring  articles  of  trade  and  subsistence,  I  know  of  no  place 
within  our  limits,  that  can  compare  with  the  country  in  the 
vicinity  of  St.  John's  river."  On  the  tract  of  land  purchased 
by  the  same  gentleman,  on  the  Little  Bassa,  one  hundred  and 
fifty  emigrants  settled  during  the  preceding  year,  and  erected 
a  village,  beautifully  situated  and  commanding  a  view  of  the 
ocean,  which  received  the  name  of  Edina,  in  honour  of  the 
liberality  of  the  people  in  Edinburgh,  Scotland.  In  this  settle- 
ment provisions  were  much  cheaper  than  at  Monrovia. 

Notwithstanding  that  the  season  was  unhealthy,  and  the 
mortality  great,  still  the  progress  of  the  colony  was  onward. 
During  the  year,  several  vessels  were  built  in  the  colony,  and 
the  arrivals  at  Monrovia  amounted  to  seventy.  The  Board 
used  every  means  in  their  power  to  turn  the  attention  of  the 
colonists  more  to  agriculture,  and  less  to  trade;  but  the  pur- 
suits of  freemen  cannot  be  regulated  by  rule,  or  accommodated 
to  general  principles  of  political  economy.  Individuals  in  every 
country,  will  engage  in  that  business  which  brings  them  in  the 
largest  profit.  Many  unreasonable  expectations  were  enter- 
tained respecting  this  colony,  which  are  not  realized  in  our 
own,  or  in  any  other  country.     The  people  of  Liberia  are  as 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  439 

free  to  choose  their  own  pursuits  as  any  upon  earth;  and  the 
only  method  by  which  they  can  be  induced  to  follow  one  mode 
of  life  rather  than  another,  is  by  convincing  them  that  this  will 
be  most  profitable,  at  least  in  the  long  run.  And  when  too 
many  persons  engage  in  trade,  the  evil  soon  corrects  itself,  by 
the  smallness  of  the  gains  which  accrue  to  individuals.  No 
doubt,  however,  the  views  of  the  Board  were  correct,  that  the 
solid  growth  and  safety  of  the  colony  would  be  better  pro- 
moted by  attention  to  agriculture,  rather  than  commerce;  and 
their  exhortations  to  the  colonists,  on  this  subject,  were  not 
only  well  intended,  but  wise.  Still,  however,  it  is  known  to 
all,  that  cities  flourish  just  in  proportion  as  they  enjoy  a  lucra- 
tive commerce.  And  if  JSIonrovia  had  not  possessed  enter- 
prising merchants,  her  wealth  and  prosperity  would  have  been 
this  day  nothing  like  what  she  now  enjoys.  Some  patriotic 
persons,  however,  who  had  not  been  brought  up  to  agriculture, 
directed  their  attention  to  the  cuhure  of  the  coffee  tree,  that 
others  might  be  led  to  follow  their  example.  The  demand  for 
mechanical  labour  was  uniformly  great,  so  that  every  one  who 
had  learned  a  handicraft  trade,  was  easily  able  to  make  a  good 
living. 

No  subject  should  be  more  interesting  to  a  young  colony, 
than  education;  this  had  from  the  beginning  received  much 
attention  from  the  Board,  and  the  successive  agents  who  pre- 
sided over  the  colony.  At  the  time  of  which  we  are  now 
treating,  most  of  the  children  of  the  emigrants  were  enjoying 
the  advantage  of  being  at  school.  Six  schools  were  maintained 
in  the  colony,  three  of  which  were  supported  by  a  society  of 
benevolent  ladies  in  Philadelphia.  The  Auxiliary  Coloniza- 
tion Society  of  Massachusetts,  appropriated,  early  in  the  year, 
the  sura  of  one  thousand  dollars  for  the  establishment  and 
support  of  a  free  school;  and  a  judicious  plan  and  regulations 
for  such  an  institution  were  drawn  up  by  the  society,  and  for- 
warded to  Liberia.  Mr.  Savage  also,  of  whom  we  have 
spoken,  had  formed  the  plan  of  a  manual  labour  school  at 
Millsburg,  for  which  enterprise  he  was  deemed  excellently 
qualified.  About  this  time  also,  many  ladies  of  the  city  of 
New  York,  of  different  denominations,  united  in  a  society,  to 
promote  education  in  Africa.  Their  plan  was  to  get  an  asso- 
ciation formed  in  every  congregation,  to  raise  a  sum  sufficient 
to  support  a  single  teacher.     The  managers  also  expressed 


440  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

their  opinion  of  the  importance  of  erecting  a  high  school  in 
Liberia,  on  the  plan  and  fund  of  Henry  Sheldon,  Esq.  But 
the  ideas  of  many  in  this  country  were  very  crude,  and  indeed, 
erroneous  on  this  subject.  They  seemed  to  think  that  if  funds 
could  be  obtained,  and  qualified  teachers  would  consent  to  go, 
a  college  might  speedily  be  erected.  They  neglected  to  con- 
sider, that  prepared  pupils  are  necessary  to  a  college,  as  well 
as  teachers;  and  where  could  such  be  found  in  Liberia?  A 
good  classical  school  was  the  highest  institution  which  Liberia 
needed  at  present,  and  of  which  she  was  capable. 

The  number  of  churches  in  the  colony,  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  year  1834,  was  nine.  The  Sabbath  and  public 
worship  were  well  observed;  and  many  of  the  recaptured  Afri- 
cans had  joined  themselves  to  some  Christian  church. 

It  was  scarcely  to  be  expected,  that  in  the  infancy  of  the 
colony,  there  would  be  much  attempted  for  the  conversion  of 
the  pagans  of  the  country:  but  the  Baptist  Missionary  Society 
of  Monrovia,  this  very  year  appointed  Adam  W.  Anderson  a 
missionary  to  the  Vey  people  at  Cape  Mount,  and  instructed 
him  not  only  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  adults  of  this  nation, 
but  to  teach  the  English  language  to  their  children.  All  the 
tribes  in  the  vicinity  of  the  colony  appeared  to  be  ready  to 
receive  instruction  in  letters,  arts,  and  Christianity.  Thousands 
of  human  beings,  degraded  and  benighted,  seemed  to  invoke 
the  spirit  of  missionary  enterprise  to  extend  its  benefits  over  an 
almost  unlimited  field. 

It  was  pleasing  to  remark,  that  an  extraordinary  zeal  for  the 
instruction  and  civilization  of  Africa,  seemed  about  this  time  to 
occupy  the  minds  of  many,  both  in  Europe  and  America. 
Two  promising  missionaries,  Mr.  Cox  and  Mr.  Pinney,  had 
already  set  foot  on  the  African  shore;  the  former  sent  out  by 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  and  the  latter  by  the  Presby- 
terian church.  The  former,  whose  zeal  was  uncommonly 
ardent,  had  but  a  short  course.  His  health  was  bad  before  he 
went  to  Africa,  and  he  had  laboured  but  little  here  before  he 
was  cut  off  in  the  morning  of  life ;  but  his  dying  words  were 
calculated  to  encourage  others  to  come  and  rescue  unhappy 
Africa  from  the  galling  yoke  of  sin  and  idolatry.  Mr.  Cox 
went  to  Africa,  labouring  under  a  consumption  of  the  lungs, 
which  soon  carried  him  off.  Of  him,  the  managers  say,  "He 
had  conferred  with  many  intelligent   and  religious  men  at 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  441 

the  English  colonies,  acquired  valuable  information,  compre- 
hensively and  judiciously  surveyed  the  wide  field  before  him, 
and  adopted  the  largest  plans  of  usefulness.  His  intellectual 
strength  and  activity — his  zeal,  charity,  and  apostolic  devo- 
tion, qualified  him  for  great  achievements:  and  though  fallen 
when  his  armour  was  just  put  on  for  the  conflict,  he  speaks 
to  the  church  and  her  elect  host  to  follow  him,  in  the  words 
ordered   by   him   to   be   engraven   on   his   monument,    '  Let 

THOUSANDS  FALL    BEFORE  AfRICA  BE  ABANDONED.'       Animated 

by  his  spirit,  and  moved  by  his  example,  two  missionaries  with 
their  wives,  and  a  young  lady,  as  a  teacher,  of  the  Methodist 
denomination,  soon  after  went  out  to  occupy  the  station  which 
he  had  vacated;  and  to  seek,  through  the  might  of  Him  who 
claims  the  homage  of  all  hearts,  to  turn  the  barbarians  of  Africa 
from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God." 

Mr.  Pinney,  having  spent  some  months  in  Liberia,  returned 
to  America,  to  secure  more  labourers,  and  to  communicate  his 
views  to  the  Board  of  Missions.  When  he  returned,  he  had 
with  him  the  Rev.  Mr.  Laird  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cloud,  together 
with  Mr.  Temple,  a  man  of  colour.  But  new  disasters  were 
in  store  for  the  missionary  cause.  Mr.  Laird  and  his  wife  had 
been  landed  but  a  short  time  in  Liberia,  before  they  both'sicken- 
ened  and  died,  and  so  did  Mr.  Cloud,  and  Mr.  Temple  returned 
home.  Thus  all  the  recruits  which  Mr.  Pinney  could  obtain 
in  the  United  States  were  cut  off  in  a  few  weeks,  and  he  was 
left  as  solitary  and  forlorn  as  ever.  But  Providence  turned 
away  his  attention  for  a  while  from  the  missionary  field,  for  the 
health  of  Dr.  Mechlin  having  failed,  he  returned  to  the  United 
States,  and  the  offer  of  the  place  of  Colonization  Agent  hav- 
ing been  made  unsuccessfully  to  several  persons,  Mr.  Pinney, 
just  on  the  eve  of  sailing,  was  appointed  colonial  agent,  until  a 
successor  to  Dr.  Mechlin  could  be  obtained.  It  was  with  great 
reluctance  that  Mr.  Pinney  accepted  this  appointment,  as  his 
desire  was  to  carry  the  gospel  to  the  native  tribes,  and  in  the 
character  of  a  missionary,  he  had  set  his  heart  on  Africa. 

Various  complaints  were  made  to  the  Managers  of  misman- 
agement at  the  colony ;  and  these  came  through  so  many  dif- 
ferent channels,  that  they  could  not  but  believe  that  there  was 
urgent  need  of  reform,  in  regard  to  some  particulars,  in  the 
economy  of  the  goods  and  funds.  The  particulars  to  which 
these  complaints  related  were,  "  the  method  of  supplying  the 


442  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

necessities  of  the  newly  arrived  emigrants — of  allotting  to  them 
their  lands — of  guarding  their  health — of  exciting  their  indus- 
try and  public  spirit — of  securing  increased  attention  to  agricul- 
ture— suppressing  the  traffic  in  ardent  spirit,  and  conducting 
the  operations  and  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  colonial  gov- 
ernment." On  all  these  points,  the  Board  were  of  opinion,  that 
there  was  reason  and  room  for  improvement. 

In  the  course  of  the  year  1833,  two  persons  of  character  and 
weight  in  the  colony,  Mr.  Anthony  D.  Williams,  vice-agent, 
and  Mr.  J.  J.  Roberts,  high-sheriff  of  the  colony,  visited  vari- 
ous parts  of  the  United  States,  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but 
that  their  visit  to  this  country  was  attended  with  beneficial  re- 
sults. These  gentlemen  submitted  to  the  Board  a  memorial 
from  some  of  the  leading  colonists,  in  which  they  propose,  as  a 
measure  likely  to  give  satisfaction  and  do  good,  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  council  as  to  numbers,  and  the  increase  of  their 
powers.  These  views  were,  to  a  certain  extent,  sustained  by 
the  agent;  but  as  it  was  expected  that  the  entire  system  of  poli- 
tical and  civil  jurisprudence,  in  Liberia,  would  require  a  revi- 
sion, the  Board  determined  not  to  make  any  change  at  present. 

Dr.  Mechlin  returned  again  to  the  United  States  in  conse- 
quence of  impaired  health.  This  gentleman  did  much  to  en- 
large the  territory  of  the  colony,  and  to  extend  its  influence ; 
but  whether  he  was  a  good  financier,  and  managed  the  pecuni- 
ary concerns  of  the  colony  with  judgment  and  economy,  seems 
doubtful.  Indeed,  the  Board  at  Washington  seem  to  have  been 
wanting  in  their  usual  safe  policy  in  regard  to  this  matter. 
They  ventured  to  send  out  more  emigrants  than  their  resources 
authorized.  Thus  a  large  debt  was  contracted,  which  the 
society  had  not  the  means  of  liquidating;  and  to  increase  their 
embarrassment,  the  demands  on  the  society's  treasury  from 
Liberia,  on  account  of  the  failure  of  the  rice  crops,  were  large 
and  unexpected,  and  were  entirely  beyond  the  resources  of  the 
Board  to  meet.  This  pecuniary  embarrassment  was  more 
unfavourable  to  the  Colonization  Society  than  any  thing  which 
had  before  occurred;  and  for  a  while  the  affairs  of  the  society 
seemed  to  stand  still,  if  not  to  retrograde.  Other  events  and  cir- 
cumstances conspired  with  their  heavy  debt,  to  spread  a  cloud 
of  discouragement  over  the  prospects  of  the  society,  which,  as 
we  shall  see,  was  not  dissipated  for  several  years. 

The  colony,  by  the  resignation  of  Dr.  Mechlin,  was  left 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  443 

without  an  agent;  and  the  efforts  of  the  Board,  as  has  been 
mentioned  before,  were,  for  some  time,  unsuccessful. 

The  Board,  however,  had,  at  this  time,  in  this  country,  agents 
in  whom  they  placed  the  utmost  confidence,  and  by  whose 
public  addresses,  and  publications  from  the  press,  much  was 
done  to  enlighten  the  public  mind  on  the  subject  of  coloniza- 
tion. In  New  York,  and  the  New  England  States,  they  had 
the  Rev.  Joshua  N.  Danforth,  and  in  the  south-west,  J.  G.  Bir- 
ney,  Esq.  Besides  these,  the  Rev.  Cyril  Pearl  had  done  much 
for  the  cause  in  New  England  by  his  addresses  and  writings; 
and  Mr,  R.  S.  Finley,  who  had  entered  into  the  service  of  the 
Colonization  Society  of  New  York,  was  very  active,  and  greatly 
promoted  the  cause  of  colonization  by  his  public  addresses. 
The  indefatigable  labours  and  exertions  of  Elliott  Cresson,  in 
Great  Britain,  to  circulate  correct  information,  and  to  collect 
funds  for  the  society,  have  already  been  noticed. 

No  event  of  modern  times  was  in  its  nature  more  momentous, 
than  the  act  of  the  British  Parliament,  by  which  provision  was 
made  for  the  emancipation  of  all  the  slaves  in  the  British  colo- 
nies in  a  very  short  time;  and  by  which  twenty  millions  sterling 
were  appropriated  to  renmnerate  the  slave-holders  for  their  loss. 

It  is  pleasing  to  know  and  record,  that  now,  after  a  full  eman- 
cipation has  taken  place  for  some  time,  no  public  disturbance 
has  occurred  among  the  slaves;  and,  although,  in  some  places, 
difficulties  have  arisen  between  the  labourers  and  the  employers, 
in  regard  to  the  price  of  labour,  or  the  proper  wages  which 
should  be  allowed  the  emancipated  slaves;  yet  this  is  a  matter 
which,  in  time,  will  regulate  itself,  as  it  does  in  all  civilized 
communities.  And  in  some  of  the  smaller  islands,  although 
the  whole  were  completely  emancipated  at  once,  yet  every  thing 
went  on  in  a  pleasant  and  orderly  manner;  and  property  had 
risen  in  value  many  percent.;  so  that  the  masters  were  actually 
made  richer  by  the  emancipation  of  their  slaves,  independently 
of  the  remuneration  in  money  for  their  loss.  Still  our  expe- 
rience is  too  short,  and  our  information  too  imperfect,  to  form  a 
correct  judgment  respecting  this  great  effort  of  benevolence, 
and  this  laudable  attempt  to  raise  a  large  body  of  our  race  from 
a  state  of  degradation  and  abject  bondage,  to  the  privileges  and 
liberties  of  free  citizens.  Every  true  philanthropist  must  wish 
that  the  scheme  may  be  attended  with  complete  and  permanent 
success. 


444  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION 

The  emancipation  of  the  slaves  in  the  West  Indies  by  the 
British  Government,  gave  an  impulse  to  the  Abolitionists  of  this 
country,  which  was  felt  from  one  end  of  the  Union  to  the  other. 
It  was  judged,  that  an  anti-slavery  spirit,  like  that  which  per- 
vaded England  and  Scotland,  could  be  enkindled  in  this  coun- 
try; and  that  by  pouring  in  petitions  from  all  quarters  into 
Congress,  the  same  effects  would  be  produced  as  in  Great  Britain ; 
and  that  by  the  force  of  public  opinion  strongly  expressed,  Con- 
gress would  be  forced  to  adopt  measures  to  bring  about  the 
liberation  of  all  slaves  in  this  country,  as  had  been  done  in  the 
British  colonies.  Agents  therefore  were  multiplied,  and  went 
into  every  place  where  they  could  gain  admission,  and  by  vehe- 
ment addresses  endeavoured  to  stir  up  tlie  people.  The  press 
also  was  put  largely  into  requisition,  and  books  and  pamphlets 
were  multiplied,  all  calculated  to  expose  the  evils  of  domestic 
slavery.  In  selecting  matter  for  pubhcation,  it  often  happened 
that  the  leaders  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Society  were  imposed  on 
by  narratives  purely  fictitious;  fabricated  by  some  designing 
villain,  to  answer  his  own  purposes;  and  in  the  public  state- 
ment of  the  condition  of  the  Southern  States,  the  facts  were 
more  frequently  exaggerated  and  distorted  in  a  shameful  man- 
ner; and  isolated  facts  were  set  forth  with  all  their  revolting 
circumstances,  just  as  though  they  were  a  fair  specimen  of  com- 
mon occurrences.  The  anti-slavery  societies  in  Great  Britain, 
male  and  female,  having  accomplished  the  great  object  of  uni- 
versal emancipation  in  their  own  colonies,  thought  that  they 
might  now  turn  their  attention  to  the  United  States,  and  aid  the 
abolitionists  here  in  their  work.  Accordingly,  one  of  their 
popular  declaimers,  George  Thompson,  was  sent  over  to  Ame- 
rica, supported,  it  was  said,  by  a  society  of  benevolent  ladies  in 
Glasgow.  This  man,  however,  found  things  less  favourable 
than  was  anticipated;  even  in  the  States  which  hold  no  slaves, 
he  found  the  majority  of  the  people  strongly  opposed  to  the 
abolition  excitement,  and  the  measures  which  they  adopted; 
and  almost  every  where,  the  population  were  ready  to  put 
down  anti-slavery  meetings  by  violence  and  tumult.  This 
arose  from  a  vague  idea,  pretty  widely  circulated,  that  the 
course  pursued  by  the  abolitionists  tended  to  destroy  the  Union 
of  these  States.  Even  in  the  quiet  and  peaceable  city  of  Phila- 
delphia, mobs  have  arisen  with  great  violence,  and  disturbed 
anti-slavery  meetings,  and  even  set  fire,  publicly,  to  buildings 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  445 

in  which  they  were  permitted  to  be  held.  But,  as  might  have 
been  foreseen,  all  these  lawless  proceedings  rather  promoted 
than  obstructed  the  object  which  they  were  intended  to  put 
down.  Conscientious  men,  not  originally  of  their  party,  seeing 
with  what  violence  and  injustice  the  abolitionists  were  treated, 
sympathized  so  strongly  with  them,  that  from  becoming  first 
their  defenders,  they  became  soon  imbued  with  their  spirit,  and 
thus  their  ranks  were  filled  by  men,  who,  had  it  not  been  for 
the  injustice  and  violence  of  mobs,  would  never  have  been 
associated  with  them. 

Mr.  Thompson,  after  some  months'  trial,  foiind  that  little 
could  be  effected  here  by  his  fervid  eloquence :  for  even  in  the 
city  of  New  York  his  person  was  not  safe  in  any  public  hotel ; 
and  as  to  the  slave-holding  States,  his  appearance  there  would 
have  been  instantly  the  signal  for  his  death.  He  therefore 
made  a  precipitate  retreat,  and  returned  to  report  his  success  or 
want  of  success  to  the  good  old  Scottish  ladies,  who  in  their  zeal 
for  suffering  humanity  had  sent  him  to  America. 

The  true  state  of  things  in  the  United  States  was  overlooked 
by  the  abolitionists  at  home  and  abroad.  They  acted  as  if  Con- 
gress might  be  influened  by  public  opinion,  expressed  in  nume- 
rous petitions,  like  the  British  Parliament,  not  considering  that 
by  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  Congress  has  no  power 
to  legislate  on  the  subject  of  slavery.  This  power  belongs  ex- 
clusively to  the  States,  respectively,  each  of  which  can  do  just 
what  it  pleases  with  the  slaves  within  its  jurisdiction. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

COLONIZATION  SOCIETIES  OF  PENNSYLVANIA  AND  NEW  YORK. 

The  account  of  the  formation  of  the  Young  Men's  Colonization 
Society  of  Pennsylvania,  is  contained  in  the  following  docu- 
ment, drawn  up  and  published  by  one  of  their  leading  and 
active  members,  Elliott  Cresson,  Esq. 

"The  Young  Men's  Colonization  Society  of  Pennsylvania, 
38 


446  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

was  organized  in  the  month  of  April  last,  by  the  adoption  of  a 
constitution  and  the  election  of  a  board  of  managers.  To  this 
measure  its  members  were  determined  by  the  following  consi- 
derations: 1.  A  belief  that  a  direct  appeal  should  be  made  to 
the  benevolence  and  Christian  zeal  of  the  wealthy  and  populous 
capital  of  Pennsylvania,  and  of  the  State  at  large,  in  favour  of 
the  establishment  of  a  new  colony  on  the  coast  of  Africa. 
2.  The  necessity  of  prompt  measures  being  taken  to  carry  into 
effect  the  testamentary  bequest  of  Dr.  Aylett  Hawes,  of  Virgi- 
nia, by  which  he  manumitted  more  than  one  hundred  slaves, 
on  condition  of  their  being  sent  to  Liberia.  Acting  as  auxiliary 
to  the  parent  Board  at  Washington,  this  society  proposes  to  carry 
into  practice  in  the  new  colony,  certain  principles  of  political 
economy,  which  will  meet  with  the  approbation  of  all  unpreju- 
diced minds.  This  will  be  done  by  fostering  with  more  care 
than  hitherto,  the  agricultural  interest ;  checking  the  deteriorating 
influence  of  petty  and  itinerant  traffickers ;  maintaining  the  virtue 
of  sobriety,  the  nurse  and  parent  of  so  many  other  virtues,  by 
obtaining  from  the  colonists  a  pledge  of  abstinence  from  the  use 
of  ardent  spirhs;  and  by  withholding  all  the  common  tempta- 
tions and  means  for  carrying  on  war,  or  for  engaging  in  any 
aggressive  steps  with  the  native  population  of  Africa. 

"The  announcement  of  these  views  and  intentions,  at  several 
successive  public  meetings,  at  the  same  time  that  the  cause  of 
colonization  in  general  was  ably  advocated,  made  a  highly 
favourable  impression  on  the  community.  The  results  were 
shown  in  the  addition  of  several  hundred  members  to  the 
society,  and  the  collection  of  several  thousand  dollars  towards 
carrying  its  contemplated  measures  into  effect. 

"The  better  to  ascertain  the  precise  conditions  on  which  free- 
dom was  granted  by  Dr.  Hawes  to  his  slaves,  and  especially 
how  far  the  laws  of  the  state  of  Virginia  would  apply  to  them 
in  case  of  any  delay  in  sending  them  to  Africa,  a  commission, 
consisting  of  Messrs.  Cresson  and  Naylor,  was  despatched  for 
this  purpose  by  the  board  of  managers.  These  gentlemen  were 
also  authorized  to  confer,  on  their  way  to  Virginia,  with  the 
Board  of  the  American  Colonization  Society  at  Washington; 
and,  as  the  latter  was  unable,  for  want  of  funds,  to  carry  into 
eff"ect  the  bequest  of  Dr.  Hawes,  to  obtain  from  them  due  powers 
to  act  in  the  matter. 

"In  conformity  with  their  instructions, (by  resolutions  of  the 


HISTORY    OF   AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  447 

board  of  managers,)  the  commission  proceeded  to  Virginia,  and 
visited,  in  the  first  place,  the  county  town  of  Rappahannock, 
wher^  they  procured  from  the  records  a  copy  of  the  will  of  Dr. 
Hawes,  Thence  they  went  to  the  residence  of  one  of  the  special 
executors,  Howard  F.  Thornton,  Esq.,  on  whose  plantation 
were,  at  the  time,  resident  seventy-eight  of  the  future  emigrants. 
Of  these,  forty  were  males,  and  thirty-eight  were  females,  of 
various  ages,  from  sixty  down  to  two  years  of  age.  Many  of 
the  men  are  well  versed  in  various  handicraft  employments, 
four  of  them  being  blacksmiths,  two  carpenters,  two  shoe- 
makers, two  stone-masons,  and  one  weaver.  'Most  of  them 
are  very  intelligent;  some  of  them  can  read  and  write,  and  all 
of  excellent  characters.  Domestic  manufactures  have  been  the 
constant  employment  of  many  of  the  females,  and  we  are  as- 
sured that  they  have  arrived  at  great  perfection  in  them ;  besides, 
nearly  one-half  of  them  are  accomplished  seamstresses.  In  addi- 
tion to  the  slaves  above  mentioned,  the  husband  of  one  of  them, 
living  in  the  neighbourhood,  has  been  kindly  liberated  by  his 
master,  the  Rev,  Francis  Thornton,  to  accompany  his  family  to 
Liberia.  He  is  a  carpenter  of  most  excellent  character,  hardy 
and  hale,  and  one  of  the  best  workmen  in  the  place;  he  has  a 
large  quantity  of  tools,  and  will  be  a  valuable  acquisition  to 
the  colony.  His  master  is  a  warm  and  devoted  colonizationist, 
and  to  him  we  are  indebted  for  much  valuable  information 
relative  to  our  mission,  as  well  as  for  many  other  favours  kindly 
rendered  us.'* 

"The  thirty-one  coloured  persons  under  the  care  of  Mr. 
Hawes,  forming  the  other  division  of  the  slaves  manumitted  by 
Dr.  Hawes,  were  represented  to  the  commission  as  all  willing 
and  desirous  of  going  to  Liberia.  The  greater  part  of  the  whole 
number  are  members  of  the  Baptist  church.  They  are  indus- 
trious and  temperate,  have  always  been  kindly  and  tenderly 
taken  care  of,  and  abundantly  supplied  with  every  thing  that 
could  make  them  comfortable.  'We  attended,'  says  the  com- 
mission, 'at  one  of  their  religious  meetings,  and  were  greatly 
gratified  by  their  exercises.  We  submitted  to  them  our  project 
of  making  them  a  separate  establishment  in  Africa,  and  it  met 
with  their,  their  master's,  and  friends'  entire  approbation.  We 
conversed  with  them  upon  their  future  prospects  in  Africa,  ex- 
plained to  them  the  situation  of  the  country,  and  informed  them 

*  Report  of  the  Commission. 


44S  HISTORV    OF    AFRICAN  COLONIZATION. 

of  its  products,  resources,  and  the  capabilities  of  its  soil,  an- 
swered their  inquiries,  and  were  equally  gratified  and  surprised 
at  their  intelligence.  Upon  the  whole,  we  think  them  eminently 
fitted  for  good  colonists.  Possessing  among  themselves  all  the 
resources  of  a  little  community,  we  believe  that  they  will  ably 
perform  their  duty.  Let  us,  therefore,  be  not  remiss  in  the  per- 
formance of  ours;  and,  under  the  favour  of  Providence,  the 
success  of  the  experiment  cannot  long  remain  problematical.'* 

"The  next  step  in  the  discharge  of  their  delegated  trust  was 
for  the  commission  to  ascertain  fully  the  sentiments  and  views 
of  the  parent  Board  at  Washington,  respecting  the  conditions 
on  which  the  Young  Men's  Colonization  Society  of  Pennsyl- 
vania should  charge  itself  with  the  embarkation  and  transporta- 
tion to  Africa  of  the  liberated  slaves  of  Dr.  Hawes,  and  with 
the  guardianship  of  these  people  when  settled  there.  The  final 
result  was  an  acquiescence  in  the  resolution  of  the  Board  at 
Washington  by  the  society  in  Pennsylvania.  This  resolution 
is  as  follows: 

"'That  the  Young  Men's  Colonization  Society  of  Pennsylva- 
nia be  informed,  that,  as  auxiliary  to  this,  [the  American  Colo- 
nization Society,]  the  slaves  of  the  late  Dr.  Hawes  will  be  trans- 
ferred to  them,  to  be  sent  to  Liberia,  and  supported  there  by 
them,  in  a  separate  settlement  or  community  under  the  superin- 
tendence of  such  agent,  and  of  such  local  laws  or  regulations 
as  may  be  adopted  by  the  said  society,  and  approved  of  by  the 
Board;  but  said  community  to  be  considered  as  a  part  of  the 
colony  of  Liberia,  and  subject  to  the  general  laws  of  the  colony, 
in  all  respects,  as  the  citizens  now  there;  and  that  so  soon  as 
said  society  shall  signify  their  acceptance  of  said  conditions,  the 
said  slaves  shall  be  formally  transferred  to  them,  together  with 
the  sum  left  for  their  transportation  by  the  will  of  Dr.  Hawes.' 

"In  acceding  to  this  resolution,  the  Pennsylvania  society  ex- 
pressly stipulated  for  the  right  of  making  such  modifications 
and  reforms  of  existing  laws  as  to  enable  it,  in  the  new  colony, 
to  give  more  encouragement  to  agriculture,  to  prohibit  the  im- 
portation, manufacture,  and  sale  of  ardent  spirit,  and  to  adopt 

*  "It  ought  to  quicken  the  zeal  and  benevolence  of  the  friends  of  humanity  to 
know,  that  during  the  short  career  of  this  society,  many  offers  of  large  bodies 
of  slaves  have  been  made  to  it  from  several  Southern  States — the  owners  gene- 
rously offering  their  gratuitous  emancipation,  so  soon  as  we  could  extend  to  them 
the  boon  of  colonization." 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  449 

an  improved  plan  for  supplying  the  public  stores,  and  for  the 
issue,  by  gift  or  sale,  of  their  contents  to  the  coloured  and  native 
inhabitants.  These  reservations  have  been  admitted  by  the 
parent  Board.  It  was  also  understood  by  the  two  Boards,  (at 
Washington  and  Philadelphia,)  that  in  case  the  preparations  at 
Bassa  Cove,  for  the  reception  of  the  new  emigrants  sent  out  by  the 
Pennsylvania  Society,  should  not  be  sufficiently  matured  to  allow 
of  their  being  landed  at  once,  a  temporary  asylum  is  to  be  fur- 
nished for  them  in  some  of  the  present  settlements  in  Liberia. 

"  The  preliminaries  having  been  satisfactorily  adjusted, prompt 
and  vigorous  measures  were  taken  by  the  executive  committee 
of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Young  INIen's  Colonization  So- 
ciety, to  make  the  requisite  purchases  of  stores,  utensils,  clothing, 
and  other  supplies,  for  the  future  colonists,  and  to  charter  a 
vessel  for  the  transportation  of  both  persons  and  goods.  Suc- 
cess attended  their  efforts;  and  on  the  24th  of  October  last,  the 
good  ship  Ninus  set  sail  from  Norfolk,  Virginia,  with  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty-six  coloured  emigrants  on  board.  Of  these, 
were  the  manumitted  slaves  of  Dr.  Hawes,  one  hundred  and 
nine  in  number  ;  the  carpenter  already  mentioned,  freed  by  the 
Rev.  Francis  Thornton ;  a  father  of  a  family  whose  members 
were  emigrants,  and  who  was  purchased  a  few  days  preceding; 
and  a  little  girl,  also  freed  by  purchase.  In  addition  to  these, 
was  a  small  body  of  fourteen  persons,  who  had  been  freed  by 
Mrs.  Page,  the  sister  of  Bishop  Meade,  and  who  were  offered 
a  passage,  although  destined  for  the  old  colony.  But  for  all 
the  particulars  connected  with  the  embarkation  of  the  emi- 
grants, the  reader  is  referred  to  the  following  report,  by  Elliott 
Crpsson,Esq.,  on  the  part  of  a  committee  deputed  by  the  Board 
of  Managers  of  the  Young  Men's  Society,  for  the  purpose.  It 
will  be  seen  that  even  in  this  early  stage  of  its  labours,  the 
society  is  fully  alive  to  the  importance  of  education  keeping 
pace  with  colonization. 

"  It  may  be  well  to  mention,  in  this  place,  that  the  superin- 
tendent of  public  schools,  the  vice-agent,  and  the  physician, 
who  is  a  licentiate  in  surgery,  sailed  in  June  last  for  the  new 
colony,  from  New  York,  in  the  Jupiter.  Though  young,  Dr. 
McDowell  has  seen  much  of  the  world  in  his  profession,  as  a 
voyager  and  traveller;  and  he  will,  it  is  presumed,  be  on  the 
spot  ready  to  receive  and  give  such  counsel  to  the  newly  arrived 
38* 


450  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

emigrants,  as  will  be  required  by  a  due  regard  for  their  health 
and  comfort. 

"  The  cost  of  the  present  expedition  is  about  ^8000,  viz. 
§2500  for  charter  of  ship,  and  ^5500  for  stores  and  appropriate 
goods. 

"By  the  terms  of  the  will  of  Dr.  Hawes,  twenty  dollars  a 
head  were  allowed,  and  have  been  paid  by  his  executors, 
towards  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  emigration  of  his  libe- 
rated slaves. 

"  The  committee  appointed  by  the  Young  Men's  Colonization 
Society  of  Pennsylvania,  to  superintend  the  sailing  of  their  first 
expedition,  respectfully  Report: 

"That  they  lost  no  time  in  complying  with  the  wishes  of  the 
Board,  and  at  Fredericksburg,  on  the  19th  inst.,  found  that 
portion  of  the  slaves  (eighty-one  in  number,)  which  were  from 
Dr.  Hawes'  late  residence  in  Rappahannock  county,  already 
arrived.  These  people  having  become  acquainted  with  one 
of  the  committee  last  summer,  expressed  the  most  lively  joy 
on  recognizing  a  friend  in  whom  they  confided;  testifying  their 
gratitude  for  the  counsel  then  imparted,  as  having  been  instru- 
mental in  counteracting  the  eftbrts  of  individuals  interested  in 
defeating  the  benevolent  intentions  of  their  late  master,  and 
thus  securing  them  a  boon,  the  very  prospect  of  which  filled 
them  with  gladness.  It  was  a  pleasing  indication  of  their  future 
habits,  that  most  of  them  were  found  industriously  employed 
in  such  labour  as  they  could  obtain  for  the  purpose  of  adding 
to  the  slender  means  they  possessed.  To  foster  these  valuable 
characteristics  on  the  voyage,  we  purchased  a  supply  of  leather 
to  give  employment  to  the  shoemakers;  and  instructions  were 
given  to  have  as  much  of  our  stock  of  woollens  and  cottons 
made  into  garments  as  circumstances  would  warrant,  our  com- 
plement embracing  shoemakers,  tailors,  and  seamstresses,  as 
well  as  carpenters,  bricklayers,  masons,  farmers,  blacksmiths, 
weavers,  spinners,  a  dyer,  cooper,  wagon  maker,  and  collier. 

"  On  the  ensuing  day,  the  remaining  thirty-one  from  Dr. 
Hawes'  estate  in  Caroline  county,  Virginia,  having  arrived, 
arrangements  were  made  for  proceeding  to  Norfolk  in  the 
steamboat  Rappahannock,  the  following  morning.  There  being 
some  warm  friends  of  the  colonization  cause  at  Fredericksburg, 
your  committee  took  advantage  of  the  interest  excited,  and  at 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION.  451 

a  meeting  of  their  young  men,  a  new  branch,  auxiliary  to  the 
American  Colonization  Society,  was  organized.  Indeed,  we 
could  not  but  remark,  that  while  the  whole  South  was  indig- 
nant at  the  late  attempts  in  the  East,  our  mission  was  greeted 
with  a  warm  welcome  by  all  the  friends  of  the  negro,  embra- 
cing a  very  large  portion  of  the  good  sense  and  good  feeling 
of  the  community;  and  we  cannot  hesitate  to  believe,  that  a 
steady  perseverance  in  these  benevolent  efforts,  will  speedily 
pave  the  way  for  the  moral  elevation  and  eventual  emancipa- 
tion of  the  large  body  of  slaves  held  in  that  great  State. 

"  The  22d  was  ushered  in  by  a  bright  morning,  which  per- 
mitted many  of  their  kind  friends  to  accompany  this  highly 
interesting  group  of  one  hundred  and  twelve  (including  a 
parent  who  was  bought  a  few  days  previously,  that  he  might 
accompany  a  wife  and  seven  children, — a  little  girl  for  whom 
three  hundred  dollars  was  paid, — and  a  very  valuable  mechanic 
gratuitously  emancipated  by  the  Rev.  Francis  Thornton,  in 
preference  to  selling  him  for  one  thousand  dollars) — on  board 
the  boat  which  was  chartered  for  the  purpose.  Many  being 
highly  esteemed  members,  and  two  of  them  ministers  in  the 
Baptist  church,  they  had  been  organized  into  a  congregation, 
which  was  joined  in  the  evening  in  their  religious  services,  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Hill,  of  New  England,  when  several  addresses 
were  made  and  appropriate  hymns  sung.  Early  next  morning 
we  reached  Norfolk,  and  the  Ninus  having  sailed  from  Phila- 
delphia on  the  14th,  (William  Penn's  one  hundred  and  nine- 
tieth birth  day,)  was  fortunately  descried  on  entering  the  har- 
bour; and,  by  running  alongside,  in  a  few  minutes  our  people 
and  their  baggage  were  safely  deposited  on  her  decks. 

"  It  was  gratifying  to  learn  from  John  McPhail,  Esq.,  so  long 
known  as  the  faithful,  disinterested  friend  of  the  society,  that 
on  an  examination  of  our  supplies,  nothing  was  left  for  him  to 
provide,  and  that  it  was  the  most  complete  outfit  that  had  ever 
proceeded  to  Africa.  The  emigrants,  on  finding  how  amply 
every  want  had  been  anticipated,  and  the  commodious  accom- 
modations of  the  ship, — her  outfit  having  cost  nearly  eight 
thousand  dollars,  two  thousand  two  hundred  dollars  of  which 
was  bequeathed  by  the  will  of  Dr.  Hawes,  renewed  their  grate- 
ful acknowledgments,  and  seemed  to  forget  the  pain  of  separa- 
tion in  the  prospect  of  comfort  and  independence  in  the  land  of 
their  forefathers;  but  above  all,  in  the  providential  opening 


452  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION, 

thus  presented  for  meliorating  the  condition  of  their  heathen 
brethren. 

"  In  addition  to  onr  own  emigrants,  fourteen  entrusted  to 
the  parent  society  by  Mrs,  Page,  the  sister  of  Bishop  Meade, 
and  intended  for  the  old  colony,  arrived,  and  were  gratuitously 
provided  with  passage  and  provisioning  to  Monrovia,  by  us. 
On  the  same  evening,  Edward  Y.  Hankinson  and  wife,  arrived 
from  New  York,  with  an  ample  stock  of  agricultural  imple- 
ments, and  tools  for  his  workshops,  just  in  time  to  join  the 
expedition.  Of  this  invaluable,  couple,  so  highly  qualified  for 
the  performance  of  the  duties  assigned  them  by  the  Ladies' 
Association  of  Philadelphia,  your  committee  feel  almost  at  a 
loss  to  speak  in  adequate  terms;  his  versatile  mechanical 
genius,  and  amiable  and  cheerful  disposition,  mingled  with  an 
intense  love  for  long  oppressed  Africa,  manifested  by  both, 
eminently  qualifying  them  for  their  arduous  and  responsible 
station.  The  climate  of  Africa  having  been  prescribed  as  the 
last  resort  in  the  case  of  Stephen  Barnes,  late  a  student  in  the 
Theological  Seminary  of  Virginia,  a  passage  in  the  Ninus  was 
proffered,  and  gratefully  accepted.  Should  he  survive,  we 
anticipate  much  from  his  devoted  missionary  spirit,  and  his 
mechanical  abilities.  In  the  more  probable  event  of  his  death, 
candour  will  surely  not  charge  it  to  his  removal  from  a  more 
salubrious  atmosphere:  a  result  deemed  inevitable  by  his  phy- 
sicians, had  he  staid  a  few  weeks  longer  in  his  native  clime,  so 
strongly  marked  were  his  consumptive  symptoms. 

"  Happily  the  return  of  that  day,  so  conspicuous  in  the 
annals  of  Pennsylvania,  as  the  anniversary  of  her  foundation 
and  the  landing  of  our  Pilgrim  Fathers — the  2Ath  day  of  Octo- 
ber, was  in  all  its  autumnal  brightness;  and  at  ten  o'clock  the 
whole  body  of  emigrants  was  assembled  on  the  deck  of  the 
Ninus,  in  company  with  a  number  of  their  religious  friends. 
A  feeling  of  solemnity  pervaded  the  assemblage,  and  the 
throne  of  grace  was  addressed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Howell,  the 
Baptist  minister  of  Norfolk — the  Rev.  Mr.  Boyden,  of  the 
Episcopal  church,  then  made  a  concise  and  appropriate  ad- 
dress; after  which.  Bishop  Heber's  Missionary  Hymn  was 
sung  with  touching  effect,  followed  by  the  Rev.  P.  F.  Phelps, 
of  the  Presbyterian  church  of  New  York,  invoking  the  Divine 
blessing  on  this  beneficent  enterprise.     The  service  was  con- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  453 

eluded  with  a  very  feeling  expression  of  thanks,  on  the  part  of 
the  colonists,  by  Aaron  P.  Davis,  one  of  their  ministers.  The 
ship  having  obtained  her  clearance,  dropped  down  into  the 
stream  at  noon,  and  went  to  sea  early  on  the  morning  of  the 
26th,  with  a  fine  leading  breeze.  Late  on  the  preceding  even- 
ing, we  took  our  final  leave  of  our  protegees;  and,  as  the 
charge  has  been  so  frequently  brought  against  the  society,  that 
the  objects  of  its  bounty  are  coerced  away,  we  took  much 
pains  to  ascertain  their  real  sentiments.  But  even  on  the  eve 
of  departure,  no  lingering  regret  seemed  to  oppress  them.  They 
acknowledged  with  great  apparent  sincerity,  their  deep  sense  of 
the  kindness  extended  towards  them  last  summer,  in  our  send- 
ing down  a  committee,  whose  frank  exposition  of  the  disad- 
vantages, as  well  as  advantages  of  their  new  mode  of  life,  had 
relieved  their  minds  from  the  fears  artfully  excited  by  the  ene- 
mies of  colonization;  and  on  reminding  them  of  the  threats 
that  we  intended  to  sell  them  to  the  slavers,  the  loud  laugh  of 
derision,  at  once  evinced  their  contempt  for  the  charge,  and 
their  confidence  in  our  friendship  and  good  faith. 

"Your  committee  cannot  close  this  report  without  adverting 
with  gratitude,  to  the  signal  success  which  has  hitherto  been 
graciously  permitted  to  attend  every  step  of  the  society,  mingled 
with  humble  trust  that  our  institution,  based  on  the  principles 
of  benevolence  and  religion,  will  continue  to  enjoy  the  Divine 
blessing.  Among  these,  the  selection  of  emigrants  imbued 
with  feelings  of  Christian  love  toward  the  benighted  children 
of  Africa,  and  the  rigid  exclusion  of  ardent  spirit,  stand  promi- 
nently forth.  The  testimonial  appended  to  this  report,  respect- 
ing Isaac  Walker,  one  of  the  one  hundred  and  twenty-six 
slaves  whose  freedom  has  been  secured  by  this  first  effort  of 
the  Young  Men's  Colonization  Society  of  Pennsylvania,  pre- 
sents, we  have  every  reason  to  believe,  a  fair  specimen  of  the 
character  of  a  large  portion  of  our  colonists.  Every  adult 
most  cheerfully  gave  the  temperance  pledge  proposed  to  them; 
and,  as  Captain  Parsons,  the  respectable  commander  of  the 
Ninus,  does  not  permit  the  use  of  spirits  on  board  his  ship,  she 
has  proceeded  on  her  voyage  in  strict  accordance  virith  the 
principles  of  our  constitution. 

"It  appeared  to  inspire  most  of  these  interesting  people  with 
new  confidence,  and  to  excite  a  spirit  of  manly  independence, 
when  the  judicious  principles,  adopted  by  our  Board  for  their 


454  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

benefit,  were  detailed  to  them.  In  that  of  confining  the  com- 
merce of  the  colony,  at  its  first  settlement,  to  the  colonial 
factory,  they  foresaw  the  preservation  of  the  natives  from  the 
rapacity  of  unprincipled  traders,  and  winning  them  to  a  just 
appreciation  of  the  advantages  of  civilized  life; — a  new  impulse 
to  their  own  agricultural  and  mechanical  pursuits; — in  its  profits, 
a  provision  for  meeting  the  public  wants;— and  hence  the  means 
of  supplying  themselves,  at  a  moderate  price,  out  of  the  fruits 
of  their  own  industry,  instead  of  being  a  charge  on  our  bounty. 
We  have  every  reason  to  believe,  that  by  thus  implanting  new 
and  powerful  motives  to  virtuous  action,  much  will  be  done  to 
conquer  habits  too  frequently  the  concomitants  of  their  former 
unfortunate  position  in  society. 

"In  sending  out  this  first  expedition,  the  great  principles 
upon  which  this  society  is  to  act,  should  be  kept  distinctly  in 
view: 

"  1.  Entire  temperance  in  every  colonist: 

"  2.  Total  abstinence  from  trade  in  ardent  spirits  and  arts  of 
war: 

"  3.  An  immediate  Christian  influence  and  operation  upon 
surrounding  heathen: 

"All  designed  to  accomplish  the  second  article  of  our  consti- 
tution,— 'to  provide  for  civilizing  and  christianizing  Africa, 
through  the  direct  instrumentality  of  coloured  emigrants  from 
the  United  States.' 

"And,  under  the  belief  that  this  institution,  if  adequately 
supported,  will  confer  upon  the  African  race  an  inestimable 
blessing,  and  secure  a  salubrious  and  prosperous  home  for 
thousands  of  slaves,  whose  benevolent  masters  are  now  pre- 
paring them  for  the  rational  enjoyment  of  liberty;  but  more 
especially  at  this  juncture,  to  meet  the  pressing  solicitations, 
and  secure  the  liberty  of  a  body  of  colonists  of  high  character 
in  Georgia,  long  anxious  to  emigrate  to  Africa,  we  earnestly 
and  affectionately  solicit  the  patronage  of  our  fellow-citizens, 
to  enable  us  to  comply  with  their  wishes, — strengthen  the  colony 
now  sent  forth, — present  a  new  barrier  against  the  prosecution 
of  the  slave-trade, — and  hasten  the  regeneration  of  that  long 
oppressed  continent. 

"  On  behalf  of  the  committee. 

Elliott  Cresson. 

«Oc/o6er  31,  1834." 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  455 

Oil  the  24th  of  October,  1834,  an  oration,  replete  with  sound 
sentiment  and  varied  learning,  was  delivered  before  this  society 
in  St.  Paul's  church,  Philadelphia,  by  J.  R.  Tyson,  from  which 
it  will  be  gratifying  to  our  readers  to  peruse  a  few  extracts. 

After  giving  some  account  of  the  origin  and  proceedings  of 
this  society,  the  orator  says,  "As  an  association  formed  in  Penn- 
sylvania, guiding  and  directing  the  destinies  of  a  colony  bear- 
ing its  honoured  name,  it  will  seek  the  establishment  of  those 
cardinal  doctrines  of  government  which  rendered  Penn  illustri- 
ous and  his  province  happy.  It  will  imitate  the  colonial  policy 
of  its  founder,  conceded  to  be  far-sighted  and  virtuous.  It  will 
infix  as  in  corner  stones  of  the  Pennsylvanian  fabric,  the  princi- 
ples which  he  inculcated,  and  practised;  the  principles  of  tole- 
ration and  temperance —  of  unbroken  faith  and  universal 
jteace.  It  will  aim,  in  unison  with  the  parent  society,  at  those 
practical  blessings  to  the  American  negro,  and  the  native  Afri- 
can, which  it  was  the  great  design  of  that  institution  to  promote 
and  subserve." 

The  speaker  in  describing  the  degradation  and  depravity  of 
the  coloured  race  in  this  country,  appeals  to  the  statistics  of 
crime  in  the  state  of  Pennsylvania,  and  to  a  comparison  of 
the  numbers  of  whites  and  blacks  committed  and  condemned 
by  the  criminal  courts,  from  which  it  manifestly  appears,  that 
notwithstanding  the  multitudes  of  unprincipled  white  men,  who 
have  of  late  years  sought  an  asylum  in  this  country,  and  espe- 
cially in  Pennsylvania,  yet  facts  clearly  demonstrate,  that  the 
proportion  of  criminals  among  the  blacks,  in  this  favoured  State, 
in  which  they  are  by  law  admitted  to  all  the  rights  and  privi- 
leges of  free  citizens,  is  so  great,  that  although  the  white  popu- 
lation, in  the  year  1830,  was  one  million  three  hundred  thou- 
sand, and  the  coloured  population  no  more  than  thirty-eight 
thousand;  yet  the  number  of  prisoners  in  the  three  penitentia- 
ries of  the  State  was  nearly  equally  divided  between  the  whites 
and  blacks.  The  exact  number,  as  given  by  Mr.  Tyson,  and 
no  doubt  taken  from  the  public  records,  is  as  follows :  "  The 
number  of  persons  in  the  three  penitentiaries  of  the  State,  at 
the  end  of  the  year  was  five  hundred  and  ninety-eight,  of  which 
two  hundred  and  fifty-three  were  blacks.  If  the  convictions 
among  the  white  population  were  in  the  same  proportion  with 
the  black,  instead  of  there  being  three  hundred  and  forty-five 
convicts  in  the  different  penitentiaries  of  the  State,  there  would 


456  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

be  an  immense  and  overwhelming  multitude  of  between  eight 
and  nine  thousand!  Nor  is  there  in  the  magnitude  of  the 
crimes  committed  a  perceptible  difference.  *  *  The  fact  can- 
not be  reasoned  against,  explained,  or  impaired;  and  however 
reluctant  we  may  feel  to  admit  the  moral  inferiority  of  the 
black  man  in  Pennsylvania,  the  conclusion  is  altogether  irresis- 
tible." We  could  wish  it  were  convenient  to  cite  all  that  the 
eloquent  and  learned  orator  says  on  this  subject,  but  we  can 
only  state  the  facts  which  he  has  brought  to  light,  which  are  so 
clear  and  convincing  that  no  reasoning  upon  them  is  required. 

But  before  we  dismiss  this  discourse,  which  ought  to  be  more 
extensively  circulated  than  it  has  been,  it  will  be  desirable  to 
quote  his  remarks  on  the  subject  of  amalgamation.  "  In  such 
a  state  of  things,  it  has  been  suggested,  that  it  is  the  part  of 
Christian  philanthropy  to  break  down  the  idle  prejudices  of 
lineage  and  colour,  by  offering  to  the  coloured  man  the  refine- 
ments of  society,  and  to  admit  him  to  a  full  participation  in  the 
endearments  of  social  intercourse.  Let  those  who  inculcate 
these  doctrines  set  before  us  the  spectacle  of  their  own  bright 
example.  Let  them,  if  they  can,  thus  violate  all  the  sanctities 
of  feeling,  all  the  heart-felt  charities  of  private  life:  let  them,  if 
they  can,  upon  Chi'istian  principles,  make  the  invidious  distinc- 
tion between  the  negro  and  his  own  correspondent  class  among 
the  whites.  An  exaltation  of  the  negro  above  the  head  of  his 
white  compeer,  would  be  unavoidably  attended  with  a  two-fold 
impropriety  and  absurdity.  The  exclusion  of  the  latter  of  equal 
deserts  is  indefensible,  invidious,  and  unjust,  while  the  admis- 
sion of  the  former,  places  him  in  a  station  for  which  he  is  unfit, 
and  by  which  he  is  incapable  of  deriving  advantage.  A  forced 
and  unhallowed  union,  alike  repugnant  to  reason  and  to  feeling, 
must  ever  be  the  parent  of  infelicity.  But  the  projectors  of 
amalgamation,  not  having  reached  that  point  of  moral  sublimity 
which  can  overlook  these  various  objections,  it  may  be  consid- 
ered as  a  question  broached,  rather  as  a  metaphysical  abstrac- 
tion, than  with  the  hope,  desire,  or  expectation  of  ever  seeing  it 
reduced  to  practice. 

"  As  the  negro  in  this  country  is,  from  the  causes  adverted 
to,  curtailed  of  his  moral  and  mental  proportions,  it  seems  rather 
the  dictate  of  enlightened  benevolence  to  form  plans  for  his 
ulterior  amelioration  and  practical  improvement,  than  to  seek 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  457 

to  render  him  odious,  by  a  premature,  an  indiscreet,  and  unna- 
tural elevation." 

From  these  facts  and  principles,  Mr.  Tyson  proceeds  elo- 
quently to  defend  and  recommend  the  plan  for  colonizing  the 
free  people  of  colour  in  the  land  of  their  fathers,  as  being,  in 
all  respects,  best  suited  to  accomplish  the  end  at  which  abo- 
lition societies  profess  to  aim.  In  a  note  to  this  discourse,  it  is 
judiciously  remarked,  that  "there  seems  to  be  a  peculiar  fitness 
in  placing  the  negro  in  Africa,  when  it  is  recollected  that  large 
portions  of  its  immense  tracts  are  suited  only  to  his  constitution. 
The  white  man  will  languish  and  die  beneath  a  sun  which  is 
congenial  to  the  animal  nature  of  the  black  man.  Nature  her- 
self, therefore,  would  seem  to  concur  with  this  philanthropy, 
unless  it  be  thought  that  she  designed  those  regions  which  are  so 
well  calculated  for  the  residence  of  the  latter,  and  for  him  only, 
to  lie  waste  and  uninhabited." 

Captain  Nicholson,  of  the  United  States  navy,  says  of  Libe- 
ria, which  he  visited  in  1828,  "It  was,  I  believe,  never  intended 
that  the  white  man  should  inhabit  this  region  of  the  globe;  at 
least,  we  know  that  the  diseases  of  the  climate  are  more  fatal 
to  him  than  the  man  of  colour.  They  luxuriate  in  the  intense 
heat,  while  a  white  man  sinks  under  its  exhausting  influence." 

I  cannot  forbear  from  quoting,  in  confirmation  of  these  views, 
some  judicious  remarks  of  a  learned  writer  in  a  late  number 
of  the  Phrenological  Journal  of  Edinburgh.  "If  we  look," 
says  he,  "to  that  well  marked  and  vast  peninsula,  called 
Africa,  we  find  that  equally  marked  race,  the  negro,  with 
slight  modifications,  forming  its  native  population,  throughout 
all  its  regions.  We  find  the  temperature  of  his  blood,  the 
chemical  action  of  his  skin,  the  very  texture  of  his  wool-like 
hair,  all  fitting  him  for  the  vertical  sun  of  Africa;  and  if  every 
surviving  African  of  the  present  day,  who  is  living  in  degra- 
dation and  destitution  in  other  lands,  for  which  he  ivas  never 
intended,  were  actually  restored  to  the  peculiar  land  of  this 
peculiar  race,  in  independence  and  comfort,  would  any  man 
venture  to  affirm,  that  Christianity  had  been  lost  sight  of  by 
all  who  had  in  any  way  contributed  to  such  a  consummation? 
It  matters  not  to  brotherly  love,  on  which  side  the  Atlantic  the 
negro  is  made  enlightened,  virtuous,  and  happy,  if  he  is  actu- 
ally so  far  blessed;  but  it  does  matter  on  which  side  of  the 
ocean  you  place  him,  when  there  is  only  one  where  he  will  be 
39 


458  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

as  happy  and  respectable  as  benevolence  would  wish  to  see 
him;  and  there  certainly,  a  rightly  applied  morality  and  religion 
would  sanction  his  being  placed." 

The  author  of  this  excellent  discourse,  admits  that  very 
untoward  and  disastrous  events  had  occurred  in  the  com- 
mencement of  this  great  enterprise  ;  and  that  among  the  first 
colonists,  the  mortality  had  been  considerable ;  but  he  makes  it 
appear  very  clearly,  by  a  statement  of  facts,  that  the  coloniza- 
tion of  America  by  Europeans  was  attended  with  far  greater  dis- 
asters and  mortality  of  the  first  colonists,  than  has  occurred  in 
Africa.  "Their  early  history,"  says  he,  "presents  an  uniform 
aspect,  one  unvarying  page:  it  is  marked  by  disappointment 
and  disaster,  by  discouragement  and  mortality.  The  parent 
and  nurse  of  all  the  Spanish  establishments  in  America,  proved 
a  certain  burying  place  to  most  of  the  primitive  adventurers. 
Of  the  thirty-eight  persons  left  in  Hispaniola  by  Columbus, 
as  the  seed  of  a  colony,  all  had  perished  in  ten  months  after, 
on  his  return  from  Spain.  The  armament  which  Ovaredo  con- 
ducted thither  in  1502,  consisted  of  two  thousand  five  hundred 
colonists.  One  thousand  of  these  fell  victims  to  disease.  .  .  . 
Of  the  colonists  conducted  by  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  to  the  coast 
now  forming  a  constituent  part  of  North  Carolina,  and  of 
others  who  subsequently  followed,  not  one  survived  to  tell  the 
story  of  their  melancholy  fate.  The  settlement  at  Jamestown, 
narrowly  escaped  a  similar  miscarriage.  One-half  of  the  origi- 
nal emigrants  were  swept  off,  in  a  few  months,  by  famine  and 
distempers.  Of  five  hundred  settlers,  whom  the  chivalrous 
Smith  left  in  Virginia,  but  sixty  were  in  being  a  few  months 
afterwards;  and  they,  enfeebled  by  famine,  and  dejected  by 
various  misfortunes,  were  projecting  a  speedy  departure  from 
the  land  of  their  sufferings  and  their  hardships.  The  colony 
at  New  Plymouth  experienced  like  embarrassments.  In  six 
months  after  the  landing  of  the  pilgrims,  owing  to  the  unac- 
customed rigours  of  an  eastern  winter,  and  the  fatigue  and 
hardships  inseparable  from  a  new  settlement,  nearly  half  the 
adventurers  had  died.  A  great  pestilence,  they  were  informed 
by  the  Indian  chief,  Samoset,  had  raged  four  years  before,  and 
swept  the  populous  region  of  Patuxet.  To  their  other  calami- 
ties, was  added  the  sterility  of  a  rocky  and  stubborn  soil,  the 
productions  of  which,  after  untiring  and  laborious  cultivation, 
were  always  uncertain.  The  distresses  of  famine  threatened 
them  at  every  step.     They  subsisted   upon  fish,  with  pre- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  459 

carious  supplies  of  corn  and  beans,  procured  from  the  Indians. 
It  is  not  necessary  to  remind  Pennsylvanians  of  the  hardships 
encountered  by  those  worthy  pioneers  of  the  wilderness,  who 
landed  on  the  shores  of  the  Delaware,  on  this  day  one  hundred 
and  fifty-two  years  ago.  It  is  not  necessary  to  recount  the  per- 
plexities and  trials  which  their  situation  imposed — their  dis- 
appointment and  consternation  in  finding  caves  for  their  dwell- 
ing places,  and  impenetrable  tracts  of  forest  in  the  promised 
land !  With  such  lights  and  examples,  let  Liberia  be  viewed, 
and  with  other  lights  which  history  sheds,  and  it  will  be  seen 
that  less  hardship  and  disaster,  less  mortality  and  discontent, 
cannot  be  found  in  any  settlement  which  the  long  narrative 
of  colonial  annals  records.  The  concurring  testimonies  of  Cap- 
tain Stockton,  and  Captain  Nicholson,  who  visited  Liberia  in 
1828;  of  Captain  Sherman,  in  1830;  of  Captain  Kennedy  and 
Captain  Abels,  in  1831;  of  Hannah  Kilham,  in  1832;  and  of 
Captain  Voorhees,  towards  the  close  of  the  past  year,  establish, 
beyond  the  possibility  of  question,  its  striking  fitness  for  its  des- 
tined object.  In  confirmation  of  these  distinterested  and  re- 
spectable travellers,  are  the  reports  of  agents,  the  letters  of  the 
colonists,  and  the  evidence  of  British  and  French  naval  officers, 
who  have  occasionally  visited  the  settlement.  They  unite  in 
representing  it  as  the  abode  of  peaceful  content  and  smiling 
plenty.  The  preposterous  and  unfounded  statements  of  one 
or  two  unknown  and  discredited  witnesses,  are  entitled  to  no 
respect  from  the  honest  inquirer."* 

*  The  author  refers  here  particularly  to  an  account  of  Liberia  given  in  a  letter 
of  Mr.  Birney,  from  a  person  styled,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  To  show  how  the 
most  knowing  of  the  abolitionists  suffered  themselves  to  be  imposed  upon  by  false 
statements,  the  following  extract  from  this  letter  is  here  given : 

"  On  the  fourth  day,  Mr.  King  (agent  of  the  Tennessee  Colonization  Society,) 
suggested  that  we  ought  now  to  visit  tlie  poor.  We  accordingly  did  so,  and  of  all 
misery  and  poverty,  and  all  repining  that  my  imagination  had  ever  conceived,  it 
had  never  reached  what  my  eyes  now  saw,  and  my  ears  heard.  Hundreds  of  poor 
creatures,  squalid,  ragged,  hungry,  without  employment — some  actually  starving 
to  death,  and  all  praying  most  fervently  that  they  might  get  home  to  America 
once  more.  Even  the  emancipated  slave  craved  the  boon  of  returning  again  to 
bondage,  that  he  might  once  more  have  the  pains  of  hunger  satisfied.  There  are 
hundreds  there  who  say  they  would  rather  come  back  and  be  slaves  than  stay  in 
Liberia.  They  would  sit  down  and  tell  us  their  tale  of  suffering  and  of  sorrow, 
with  such  a  dejected  and  wo  begone  aspect,  that  it  would  almost  break  our  hearts. 
They  would  weep  as  they  would  talk  of  their  sorrows  here,  and  their  joys  in 
America — and  we  mingled  our  tears  freely  with  theirs.  This  part  of  the  popu- 
lation included,  as  near  as  we  could  judge,  two-thirds  of  the  inhabitants  of  Mon- 
rovia." 


460  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

In  the  year  1S33.  a  number  of  persons  in  the  city  of  New 
York  formed  themselves  into  a  colonization  society,  not  mere- 
ly with  the  view  of  aiding  the  funds  of  the  American  Society, 
but  of  aiding  in  promoting  the  great  object  of  that  society, 
by  sending  out  colonists  to  Liberia,  and  of  promoting  the  pros- 
perity of  the  colony,  by  assisting  the  colonists  to  establish 
schools  and  seminaries  of  learning  among  them.  This  society, 
from  its  commencement,  acted  with  a  spirit  of  energy  and  wis- 
dom, which  furnished  a  most  favourable  prognostic  of  its  future 
usefulness. 

In  the  year  1S34,  a  proposal  was  made  to  the  Board  of 
IManagers  of  this  society  to  unite  with  the  "  Young  Men's 
Colonization  Society  of  Pennsylvania,  in  the  establishment  of 
a  new  and  model  colony,  upon  the  coast  of  Liberia,  in  further- 
ance of  the  general  objects  of  the  Society,  and  in  execution  of 
its  previous  determination  to  that  particular  effect."  Accord- 
ingly a  committee  was  appointed  to  confer  with  the  committee 
already  appointed  by  the  Pennsylvania  Society,  to  agree  upon 
the  terms  of  union  between  these  two  societies,  whose  object 
was  the  same.  Certain  articles  were  soon  agreed  upon  by 
these  committees,  which  were  afterwards  adopted  by  the  Boards 
of  the  two  societies  respectively.  The  principal  articles  of  this 
union  and  agreement  were:  That  the  basis  of  the  union  should 
be  laid  in  a  co-ordinate  action  of  the  two  institutions,  through 
their  respective  organs.  That  the  object  of  the  union  should 
be  the  establishment  of  a  new  and  model  colony,  on  the  coast  of 
Africa,  on  the  following  principles;  temperance,  dissuasion  from 
war,  the  promotion  of  agricultural  pursuits,  and  the  other  prin- 
ciples embodied  in  the  constitutions  of  the  two  societies.  That 
the  American  Colonization  Society,  to  which  both  these  socie- 
ties are  auxiliary,  should  not  be  abandoned.  That  the  new 
colony  should  be  located  at  Bassa  Cove.  That  the  name  of 
the  colony  should  be  fixed  upon  hereafter.  That  each  society 
should  immediately  appoint  an  efficient  agent;  and  that  the 
Pennsylvania  Society  should  go  on  to  redeem  its  pledge,  in  re- 
lation to  the  slaves  of  the  late  Dr.  Aylett  Hawes,  of  Virginia, 
in  expectation  of  the  aid  of  the  New  York  Society,  in  their 
removal  to  Africa.  While  this  plan  of  union  was  under  con- 
sideration, Mr.  Israel  W.  Searle,  a  graduate  of  Amherst  Col- 
lege, was  appointed  by  the  society  to  proceed  in  the  Jupiter,  to 
take  charge  of  the  new  settlement  under  the  superintendence 


HISTORY    OP  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  461 

of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Spalding,  who  had  previously  been  appointed 
the  principal  agent  of  this  society  in  Africa.  With  a  view  to 
the  contemplated  union,  Mr.  Searle  was  directed  to  confer  with 
the  principal  agent  as  soon  after  his  arrival  in  Africa  as  possi- 
ble, on  the  subject  of  a  suitable  location. 

In  this  vessel,  besides  Mr.  Searle,  there  went  out  the  Rev. 
Ezekiel  Skinner,  of  Connecticut,  a  physician,  as  well  as  a  mis- 
sionary of  the  Baptist  denomination;  also  Dr.  Robert  McDowal, 
a  coloured  man,  educated  in  Edinburgh  as  a  physician,  both  of 
whom  were  under  appointments  from  the  parent  Board,  as 
colonial  physicians.  They  were  accompanied,  moreover,  by 
Mr.  Charles  H.  Webb,  a  medical  student,  under  the  care  of  the 
American  Colonization  Society,  whose  purpose  was  to  complete 
the  study  of  his  profession  under  the  instruction  of  the  phy- 
sicians of  the  colony,  and  afterwards  to  engage  there  in  the 
practice  of  medicine.  Mr.  Josiah  F.  C.  Finley,  the  son  of  the 
founder  of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  and  a  graduate 
of  New  Jersey  College,  also  went  in  this  vessel,  who,  with  Mr. 
Searle,  went  out  as  a  teacher,  under  the  patronage  of  the 
"Ladies'  Association  of  the  city  of  New  York."  There  went, 
also,  in  the  Jupiter,  a  coloured  woman  from  Vermont,  under 
the  patronage  of  the  New  York  Colonization  Society,  who  was 
led  by  a  spontaneous  determination  to  devote  herself  to  the 
cause  of  education  in  Africa. 

Subsequently  to  the  departure  of  the  Jupiter,  a  proposal 
was  made  to  the  Board,  through  Mr.  Thomas  S.  Clay,  of  Geor- 
gia, to  take  under  their  care  a  number  of  coloured  persons,  in 
Savannah,  who  were  desirous  of  emigrating  to  Liberia.  The 
report  of  the  intelligence  and  moral  character  of  these  people 
was  very  favourable,  and  it  was  resolved  to  endeavour  to  raise 
the  sum  of  money  requisite  for  their  transportation  to  Liberia. 
Before  the  union  betvv'een  the  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  So- 
cieties was  consummated,  the  Board  of  the  New  York  Coloniza- 
tion Society  received  a  visit  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Laurie  and  Walter 
Lowrie,  Esq.,  deputies  from  the  American  Colonization  Soci- 
ety, the  object  of  which  was,  to  represent  the  urgent  necessities 
of  the  parent  Society,  and  to  request  the  aid  of  the  New  York 
Society  in  obtaining  funds  to  enable  them  to  liquidate  the  heavy 
debt  by  which  the  Society  was  pressed,  and  to  carry  on  their 
measures  in  regard  to  the  colony.  The  Board  of  the  New 
York  Society  did  not  refuse  their  cooperation,  but  warmly 
39"^ 


462  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

recommended  the  agents  of  the  parent  Society  to  the  friends  of 
colonization  in  the  city  and  state  of  New  York. 

After  due  dehberation,  and  after  hearing  a  very  favourable 
report  of  Bassa  Cove,  the  union  with  the  Young  Men's  Society 
of  Pennsylvania  was  completed;  with  this  additional  article, 
viz :  "  That  thirty  per  cent,  on  all  moneys  raised  by  these 
two  societies  should  be  paid  over  to  the  parent  Board,  for  its 
exclusive  use;  and  that  the  name  of  the  new  colony  should  be 
Bassa  Cove;  and  that  particular  settlements  should  be  designa- 
ted "  New  York,"  and  "Pennsylvania,"  respectively. 

The  manumitted  slaves  of  Dr.  Hawes,  of  whose  embarkation 
an  account  has  already  been  given,  arrived  at  Monrovia,  in  the 
Ninus,  on  the  8th  day  of  December,  and  on  the  next  day  pro- 
ceeded to  Bassa  Cove,  which  had  previously  been  examined  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Pinney,  and  also  by  Dr.  Skinner,  Dr.  McDowal, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Teage,  a  missionary  of  the  Methodist  society. 
Mr.  Russwurm  and  Mr.  Paul  also,  both  intelligent  and  expe- 
rienced settlers  of  the  old  colony,  all  concurred  in  giving  a  deci- 
ded preference  to  Bassa  Cove,  above  Cape  Mount,  or  any  other 
location  on  the  coast,  both  as  it  related  to  health,  and  the  fertil- 
ity of  the  soil  in  the  vicinity.  Other  considerations  in  favour  of 
this  place  were,  that  the  expense  of  settling  a  colony  here  would 
be  less  than  anywhere  else,  while  the  selection  of  this  spot 
would  certainly  be  the  means  of  breaking  up  a  slave  factory  in 
the  vicinity. 

The  union  of  these  two  societies,  having  their  seats  in  the 
two  largest  and  wealthiest  cities  in  the  United  States,  seemed 
to  give  a  new  impulse  to  the  cause  of  colonization.  The  New 
York  Colonization  Society  adopted  a  resolution  in  which  they 
speak  of  this  union  "as  an  event  promising  to  be  highly  bene- 
ficial to  the  colonization  cause,  and  cordially  recommending  it 
to  the  approbation  and  support  of  all  the  friends  of  the  coloured 
population."  By  another  resolution,  they  "approved  of  the 
plan  of  raising  fifteen  thousand  dollars  in  aid  of  the  objects  of 
the  society."  A  handsome  subscription  was  made  at  the  meet- 
ing, but  the  sum  proposed  was  never  filled  up;  and  the  Board, 
in  their  report,  ascribe  the  failure  to  the  prevalence  of  aboli- 
tionism in  the  Northern  and  Eastern  States,  which  began  now 
to  exert  a  systematic  and  virulent  opposition  to  all  colonization 
societies.  In  their  Third  Annual  Report  to  the  New  York  Colo- 
nization Society,  the  Board  make  the  following  remarks :  "  Much 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  463 

of  the  delay  which  has  occurred  in  carrying  these  plans  into  exe- 
cution, is  doubtless  to  be  ascribed  to  the  persevering  opposition 
which  the  efforts  of  this  Board  have  encountered  from  certain 
persons  in  the  Northern  and  Eastern  States,  who  beheve,  or 
pretend,  that  the  system  of  colonization  is  fraught  with  evil  and 
pernicious  consequences  to  all  the  people  of  colour  in  the  coun- 
try, whether  held  in  bondage  or  emancipated ;  and  whether  the 
latter  are  induced  to  emigrate  to  the  land  from  which  they 
sprang,  or  prefer  remaining  in  that  of  their  involuntary  adop- 
tion. In  short,  that  the  colonization  system  'tends  to  rivet  the 
chains  of  the  slaves,  and  extend  to  Africa  the  vices,  but  not  the 
benefits  of  civilization.'  Upon  these  grounds,  or  pretexts,  the 
persons  in  question,  both  in  their  individual  capacities  and  col- 
lective organization,  under  the  name  of  Anti-Slavery  societies, 
not  only  counteract  the  influences  and  traduce  the  principles  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society,  and  impugn  the  motives  in 
which  it  originated;  but  actually,  if  not  wilfully,  misrepresent 
its  acts,  policy,  and  proceedings,  as  well  as  the  sentiments  and 
conduct  of  all  who  publicly  support  its  objects,  or  advocate  its 
cause.  They  indiscriminately  condemn  every  measure  that 
ever  has  been  adopted  or  suggested  in  relation  to  the  colony  of 
Liberia;  defame  the  characters  of  those  who  have  been  from 
time  to  time  engaged  in  its  management  and  superintendence; 
exaggerate  every  error  and  misfortune  which  has  occurred  in 
its  administration  or  government,  and  attempt  to  impeach  the 
evidence  they  cannot  refute,  of  its  beneficial  effects  and  pros- 
pective advantages.  And  all  this,  avowedly,  because  they  deem 
its  prosperity  and  existence  incompatible  with  their  uncom- 
promising and  impracticable  object,  for  the  immediate  abolition 
of  slavery  in  the  south." 

The  report  then  goes  on  to  repel  the  false  accusations  of  these 
men,  and  to  vindicate,  by  solid  arguments,  the  benevolence  and 
utility  of  the  scheme  of  colonization. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  New  York  Colonization  So- 
ciety, in  the  city  of  New  York,  on  the  13th  of  May,  1S35, 
several  very  able  and  effective  speeches  were  delivered  by  its 
distinguished  friends.  Among  the  speakers  on  the  occasion, 
were  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hewitt,  of  Connecticut;  the  Rev.  Dr.  Fisk, 
President  of  the  Wesleyan  University;  the  Rev.  Dr.  John 
Breckinridge;  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bethune ;  the  Rev.  Cortland  Van 
Rensselaer;  the  Rev.  Mr.  Seyes,  a  missionary  from  Liberia, 


464  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

and  the  Rev.  INIr.  Gurley,  secretary  of  the  American  Coloniza- 
tion Society.  We  have  seldom,  anywhere,  or  on  any  occasion, 
read  speeches  that  possess  more  true  eloquence,  founded  on  solid 
argument,  than  these  addresses;  and  some  of  them  are  replete 
with  the  shafts  of  wit  and  poignant  satire,  to  which  their  oppo- 
nents of  the  anti-slavery  society  had  exposed  themselves  in 
the  assertions  and  statements  which  they  had  made.  And 
especially  JNIr.  George  Thompson,  an  emissary  from  Great 
Britain,  had  provoked  the  indignation  of  all  Americans,  except 
the  members  of  the  anti-slavery  societies,  by  his  intemperate 
addresses,  and  outrageous  attacks  on  all  slave-holders,  and  on 
all  who  excused  or  defended  them. 

This  zealot,  it  was  understood,  was  in  the  pay  of  a  society 
of  ladies  in  Glasgow,  who,  in  the  exuberance  of  their  benevo- 
lence to  the  slaves  of  America,  had  sent  this  violent  declaimer, 
under  the  impression  that  his  impassioned  eloquence  would 
carry  all  before  him;  and  such  seems  to  have  been  his  own  im- 
pression before  landing  on  our  shores.  But  he  soon  found,  that 
a  grand  miscalculation  had  been  made  of  the  sentiments  and 
feelings  of  Americans;  for  even  in  the  non-slave-holding  States, 
to  which  he  confined  his  benevolent  labours,  he  was  received 
with  little  favour  by  a  large  majority  of  the  intelligent  popula- 
tion; and  as  for  the  lower  classes,  they  were  ready,  every  where, 
without  the  sanction  of  law,  to  proceed  to  acts  of  violence  and 
disorder,  which,  as  they  should  not  be  provoked,  ought  not  to 
be  tolerated  in  any  country.  Mr.  Thompson's  mission  was, 
therefore,  a  pure  abortion.  He  accomplished  nothing  towards 
the  object  which  brought  him  across  the  Atlantic.  Indeed, 
ferocious  as  was  his  zeal,  he  never  ventured  into  any  of  the 
slave-holding  States,  but  thundered  out  his  denunciations  at  a 
distance.  He  seems  to  have  had  none  of  the  martyr's  blood  in 
his  veins.  This  course,  in  which  JVIr.  Thompson  exercised  a 
prudent  care  for  his  personal  safety,  was  ridiculed  with  inimita- 
ble wit  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bethune.  Having  introduced  the  name 
of  George  Thompson,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  say,  that  after  his 
return  to  Great  Britain,  he  ceased  not  to  calumniate  the  whole 
American  character,  except  his  few  friends  of  the  anti-slavery 
society;  and  he  went  so  far  as  publicly  to  challenge  any  Ame- 
rican, or  other  person,  to  meet  him  publicly,  and  vindicate  this 
country  from  his  accusations.  This  challenge  having  met  the 
eye  of  the  Rev,  Dr.  Robert  J.  Breckinridge,  then  in  London,  he 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  465 

intimated,  in  a  public  paper,  his  willingness  to  accept  the  chal- 
lenge. Accordingly,  a  meeting  was  held  in  Glasgow,  and  the 
accuser  of  America,  and  her  defender,  occupied  many  suc- 
cessive nights  in  alternate  speeches.  No  situation  could  have 
been  conceived  more  unfavourable  to  Dr.  Breckinridge.  It  is 
doubtful  whether  he  had  in  the  whole  audience,  one  mind  which 
sympathized  with  him  in  the  sentiments  which  he  uttered.  It  is 
not  wonderful,  then,  that  the  prejudiced  and  highly  excited  peo- 
ple, proclaimed  a  victory  for  their  favourite  advocate.  If  Mr. 
Breckinridge  had  met  this  man  before  an  American  audience, 
even  in  Boston,  or  New  Haven,  the  verdict  would  have  been 
very  different.  After  Mr.  Breckinridge,  then  on  the  continent 
of  Europe,  saw  the  account  of  the  dispute  published  with  the 
venerable  name  of  Dr.  Wardlaw,  who  presided  on  the  occasion, 
he  addressed  to  that  reverend  gentleman  a  letter  in  defence  of 
America,  which  is  certainly  one  of  the  ablest  documents  of  the 
kind  that  we  have  ever  seen;  and  which  neither  George  Thomp- 
son, Dr.  Wardlaw,  nor  any  other  Briton  can  refute. 

The  favourable  testimonies  to  the  flourishing  state  of  Liberia, 
and  the  contentment  and  good  order  of  the  colonists,  up  to  the 
present  time,  are  so  numerous  and  uniform,  that  to  record  them 
all  would  fill  a  volume.  Still  there  is  a  party  in  this  country  who 
are  incredulous;  and  if  they  can  get  a  partial  statement  from 
one  disappointed,  discontented  colonist,  out  of  five  thousand, 
they  pay  more  attention  to  this,  than  to  all  the  disinterested 
accounts  given  by  intelligent  men,  of  known  character  for  truth 
and  probity.  They  have  even  carried  their  incredulity  so  far 
as  to  talk  of  sending  out  a  vessel  to  bring  home  the  famishing 
and  miserable  colonists,  who  may  be  desirous  to  return  and 
have  not  the  means.  The  colonists  in  Liberia,  upon  hearing  of 
this  benevolent  design,  make  themselves  merry  with  the  idea  of 
a  ship  coming  out  to  carry  home  the  miserable  colonists;  but 
they  pleasantly  invite  the  abolitionists  to  carry  their  purpose 
into  effect;  acknowledging  that  there  are  some  indolent  and 
thriftless  persons  even  in  Liberia,  whom  it  would  be  very  de- 
sirable to  the  colony  to  have  removed;  and,  moreover,  saying, 
that  many  of  the  contented  and  industrious  colonists  who  had 
no  wish  to  leave  that  country,  might  be  found  willing  to  avail 
themselves  of  so  good  an  opportunity  as  such  a  vessel  would 
afford,  of  visiting  their  friends,  free  from  the  usual  expenses  of 
such  a  voyage. 


466  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

As  however,  we  have  here  touched  on  the  subject  of  the 
false  reports  which  have  been  circulated  respecting  the  colony, 
it  may  not  be  amiss  to  insert  a  few  testimonies  of  a  contrary 
nature,  from  persons  above  all  reasonable  suspicion. 

Captain  Nicholson,  of  the  United  States  Navy,  whose  name 
has  already  been  mentioned  in  connexion  with  this  subject, 
writes:  "  I  cannot  give  you  better  evidence  of  the  prosperity  of 
the  colony,  than  by  mentioning,  that  eight  of  my  crew  (coloured 
mechanics,)  after  going  on  shore  two  several  days,  applied  for, 
and  received  their  discharge,  in  order  to  remain  as  permanent 
settlers.  These  men  had  been  absent  from  their  country  above 
three  years,  and  had  among  them  nearly  two  thousand  dollars 
in  clothes  and  money.  Had  they  not  been  thoroughly  con- 
vinced, that  their  happiness  would  be  better  promoted  by  re- 
maining among  their  free  brethren  in  Liberia,  they  would  not 
have  entered  on  so  momentous  a  step  as  quitting  the  United 
States,  perhaps  for  ever,  where  they  all  had  left  friends  and 
relations. 

"  The  appearance  of  all  the  colonists,  those  of  Monrovia  as 
well  as  those  of  Caldwell,  indicated  more  than  contentment. 
Their  manners  were  those  of  freemen,  who  experienced  the 
blessings  of  liberty  and  appreciated  the  boon.  Many  of  them 
had  by  trade  accumulated  a  competency,  if  the  possession  of 
from  three  to  five  thousand  dollars  may  be  called  so." 

Captain  Sherman,  a  respectable  and  pious  man,  well  known 
in  Philadelphia,  gives  the  following  testimony.  His  visit  was 
in  1830. 

"  Monrovia  at  present  consists  of  about  ninety  dwelling 
houses  and  stores,  two  houses  for  public  worship,  and  a  court- 
house. Many  of  the  dwellings  are  handsome  and  convenient, 
and  all  of  them  comforlahle.  The  plot  of  the  town  is  cleared 
more  than  a  mile  square,  elevated  about  seventy  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  sea,  and  contains  seven  hundred  inhabitants. 

"  The  township  of  Caldwell  is  about  seven  miles  from  Mon- 
rovia, on  the  St.  Paul's  river,  and  contains  a  population  of  five 
hundred  and  sixty  agriculturists.  The  soil  is  exceedingly  fer- 
tile, the  situation  pleasant,  and  the  people  satisfied  and  happy." 

Captain  Kennedy  visited  the  colony  in  1831,  and  thus  states 
the  result  of  his  inquiries  and  observation: 

"I  sought  out  the  most  shrewd  and  intelligent  of  the  colon- 
ists, many  of  whom  were  personally  known  to  me,  and  by  long 


HISTORr    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  4G7 

and  many  conversations,  endeavoured  to  elicit  from  them  any 
dissatisfaction  with  their  condition  (if  such  existed)  or  any 
latent  design  to  return  to  their  own  country.  Neither  of  these 
did  I  observe.  On  the  contrary,  I  thought  I  could  perceive, 
that  they  considered  they  had  started  into  a  new  existence: 
that  disencumbered  of  the  mortifying  relations  in  which  they 
had  formerly  stood  in  society,  they  felt  themselves  proud  of 
their  attitude." 

Captain  Abels,  who  was  in  the  colony  in  the  latter  part  of 
1831,  gives  this  emphatic  testimony.  "All  my  expectations, 
ill  regard  to  the  aspect  of  things,  the  health,  harmony,  order, 
contentment,  industry,  and  general  prosperity  of  the  settlers 
were  more  than  realized.  There  are  about  two  hundred  build- 
ings in  the  town  of  Monrovia,  extending  along  the  Cape  Mesu- 
rado,  not  far  from  a  mile  and  a  quarter.  Most  of  these  are 
good  substantial  houses  and  stores;  the  first  story  being  of 
stone;  and  some  of  them  handsome,  spacious,  and  with  Vene- 
tian blinds.  Nothing  struck  me  as  more  remarkable  than  their 
great  superiority,  in  intelligence,  manners,  conversation,  dress, 
and  general  appearance  in  every  respect,  over  their  coloured 
brethren  in  America.  So  much  was  I  pleased  with  what  I  saw, 
that  I  observed  to  the  people,  should  I  make  a  true  report,  it 
would  hardly  be  credited  in  the  United  States.  Among  all  that 
I  conversed  with,  I  did  not  find  a  discontented  person,  or  hear 
one  express  a  desire  to  return  to  Jimerica.  I  saw  no  intem- 
perance, nor  did  I  hear  a  profane  word  uttered  by  any  one." 

All  the  above  testimonies  are  from  highly  respectable  and 
intelligent  men,  acquainted  with  the  world,  and  well  qualified 
to  form  an  impartial  judgment. 

The  next  is  from  two  coloured  men,  sent  out  from  Natchez, 
in  Mississippi,  purposely  to  explore  the  country,  and  bring  back 
a  faithful  report  to  their  brethren.  The  names  of  these  two  men 
were  Simpson  and  Moore,  respectable  coloured  men,  and  one 
of  them  a  minister  of  the  gospel.  Their  visit  was  made  in  1832, 
and  furnishes  a  testimony  more  recent  than  any  yet  given. 
They  say,  "As  a  body,  the  people  of  Liberia,  we  think,  owing 
to  their  circumstances,  have  risen  in  their  style  of  living ;  and 
their  happiness,  as  a  community,  is  far  above  that  of  their 
coloured  brethren,  even  the  most  prosperous  of  them,  that  we 
have  seen  in  the  United  States.  They  feel  that  they  have  a 
home.     They  have  no  fear  of  the  white  or  the  coloured  man. 


468  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

They  have  no  superiors.  They  do  not  look  up  to  others,  but 
they  are  looked  up  to  by  them.  Their  laws  grow  out  of  them- 
selves, and  are  their  own.  They  truly  sit  under  their  own  vine 
and  fig  tree,  having  none  to  molest  or  make  them  afraid.  Since 
our  return,  we  have  been  in  the  houses  of  some  of  the  most 
respectable  men  of  colour  in  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  but 
have  seen  none,  on  the  whole,  so  well  furnished  as  many  of  the 
houses  in  Monrovia.  The  floors  are,  in  many  cases,  well  car- 
peted, and  all  things  about  their  dwellings  appear  neat,  conve- 
nient, and  comfortable.  There  are  five  schools,  two  of  which 
we  visited,  and  were  much  pleased  with  the  teachers  and  the 
children.  *  *  *  We  found  only  two  persons  who  expressed 
any  dissatisfaction,  and  we  have  much  reason  to  doubt  whether 
they  had  any  good  cause  for  it." 

Captain  Voorhees,  of  the  United  States  Navy,  visited  Liberia 
in  1833.  He  says:  "Piracy  has  not  afflicted  this  quarter  for 
some  time;  and  the  inhabitants  at  the  settlements,  living  in 
undisturbed  peace  and  tranquillity,  seem  to  entertain  very  en- 
couraging confidence  in  their  future  security."  And,  describing 
the  kind  of  people  which  should  be  sent,  he  says,  "Such  per- 
sons of  colour  here,  in  the  land  of  their  ancestors,  find  a  home 
and  a  country;  and  here  only,  do  they  find  themselves  redeemed, 
regenerated,  and  disenthralled." 

The  colony  at  Bassa  Cove,  principally  formed  by  the  emigrants 
sent  out  by  the  praiseworthy  exertions  of  the  Young  Men's 
Colonization  Society  of  Pennsylvania,  gave  promise  of  great 
prosperity,  when  an  untoward  event  occurred,  which  not  a  little 
discouraged  the  colonists,  and  damped  the  sanguine  hopes  of  its 
friends.  As  this  colony  was  established  on  principles  of  Tem- 
perance and  of  Peace,  no  provision  was  made  of  arms  or  muni- 
tions of  war  for  defence.  The  neighbouring  chiefs  had,  indeed, 
promised  that  they  would  not  disturb  or  invade  the  colony;  but 
the  promises  of  savages,  where  self-interest  is  concerned,  are 
found  to  have  but  little  binding  force.  Too  much  reliance, 
however,  seems  to  have  been  placed  on  these  promises;  so  that 
the  poor  colonists  were  left  actually  at  the  mercy  of  every  in- 
vader; for  among  the  whole  of  them,  there  was  but  one  musket. 
When  the  colonists,  alarmed  with  a  hostile  appearance  among 
the  natives,  applied  to  the  agent,  Mr.  Hankison,  for  protection, 
this  man,  pursuing,  no  doubt,  the  instructions  which  he  had 
received,  refused  to  adopt  any  measures  of  precaution;   and 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION'.  469 

wliat  was  more  culpable,  actually  declined  the  proffered  as- 
sistance of  the  people  of  Edina,  a  settlement  on  the' opposite 
bank  of  the  St.  John's  river.  All  this  misguided,  and,  in  effect, 
inhuman  policy,  arose  from  the  belief  of  a  principle,  long  che- 
rished among  the  members  of  the  various  peace  societies,  that 
if  men  would  act  faithfully  on  the  principles  of  non-resistance 
to  violence,  Providence  would  always  protect  them  from  their 
enemies.  This  principle  was  now  put  fairly  to  the  test;  and 
the  result,  though  lamentable,  was  nothing  but  what  might 
have  been  expected.  The  sincerity  with  which  the  agent 
trusted  to  this  principle,  is  manifest  from  the  fact,  that  he  and 
his  family  remained  quietly  in  the  place,  while  the  natives  were 
evidently  plotting  the  destruction  of  the  little  colony.  The  cir- 
cumstances which  preceded  and  led  to  the  murderous  attack  on 
these  defenceless  people,  were  these.  A  slave-trader,  upon 
coming  into  the  harbour,  discovered  that  a  colony  of  coloured 
people  from  America  had  been  planted  on  the  river,  on  which 
he  refused  to  land  his  goods,  alleging  that  the  colonists  would 
interrupt  his  trade.  Joe  Harris,  the  brother  of  King  Peter,  and 
his  most  efficient  man,  both  in  palaver  and  in  war,  finding  that 
the  profitable  traffic  in  slaves  was  about  to  be  cut  off,  resolved, 
with  the  concurrence  of  his  brother,  on  the  destruction  of  the 
colony.  For  some  days  before  the  attack,  he  and  some  of  his 
people  had  been  hanging  about  the  settlement,  no  doubt,  to 
ascertain,  wheflier  any  means  of  defence  were  possessed  by  t lie 
colonists.  If  they  had  been  armed,  it  is  almost  certain  that  no 
attack  would  have  been  made;  for  the  single  gun  owned  by  a 
colonist,  had  been  lent  to  a  neighbour,  and  the  houses  of  these 
two  men  were  the  only  ones  spared.  Joe  Harris  had  narrowly 
inspected  every  place,  and  having  seen  a  gun  in  each  of  these 
houses,  supposed  that  there  were  two,  and  that  it  would  be 
dangerous  to  enter  these  habitations.  The  assault  was  made 
in  the  night,  and  an  indiscriminate  slaughter  of  such  as  could 
not  escape,  ensued.  The  number  massacred  was  nearly  twenty, 
mostly  women  and  children.  Most  of  the  men  contrived  to 
make  their  escape.  Mr.  Hankinson  and  his  wife  were  rescued 
from  destruction  by  the  friendly  aid  of  a  Krooman,  who  con- 
cealed them  until  the  danger  was  over. 

Those  of  the  colonists  who  escaped,  were  carried  imme- 
diately to  Monrovia,  and  provided  with  such  things  as  were 
necessary.   Tlie  agent  at  Monrovia,  took  immediate  measures 
40 


470  HISTORr    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

to  chastise  the  people  who  committed  this  outrage.  After 
demanding  redress,  which  was  refused,  an  armed  force  was 
inarched  against  the  aggressors,  and  soon  put  them  to  flight, 
and  destroyed  tlieir  towns.  King  Peter,  and  his  brother  Joe, 
were  now  deeply  sensible  of  the  mistake  which  they  had  made. 
According  to  their  own  accomit,  they  had  been  led  to  believe 
that  those  colonists  were  intruders  who  had  no  connexion  with 
the  colony  at  Monrovia,  and  would  not  be  protected  by  that 
colony.  They,  therefore,  now  gladly  accepted  a  peace,  on  the 
condition  of  abandoning  the  slave  trade  for  ever;  and  also 
agreeing  to  let  the  natives  from  the  interior  freely  pass  through 
their  territory,  to  trade  with  the  colony  at  Bassa  Cove.  Tliey 
moreover  stipulated  to  build  a  number  of  houses  for  the  colo- 
nists, to  replace  those  which  they  had  destroyed,  and  to  restore 
the  property  carried  away,  or  to  pay  a  reasonable  price  for  the 
same. 

As  soon  as  peace  was  concluded,  Dr.  Skinner,  then  acting 
agent  of  the  American  Colonization  Society  at  Monrovia,  paid 
a  visit  to  Bassa  Cove,  and  selected  a  more  healthy  and  beauti- 
ful spot  for  the  town  than  that  before  occupied,  and  proceeded 
to  clear  the  ground,  and  to  lay  it  out  in  lots,  on  which  build- 
ings to  receive  the  dispersed  colonists  were  immediately  com- 
menced. 

This  painful  disaster  which  terminated  in  the  cruel  death  of 
so  many  persons,  may  nevertheless  be  overruled  for  the  greater 
prosperity  of  the  colony.  It  has  taught  the  friends  of  coloni- 
zation in  this  country,  that  it  is  a  folly  bordering  on  madness,  to 
place  a  company  of  settlers  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  savage 
African  hordes,  without  arms  or  munitions  of  defence.  Those 
who  are  conscientiously  scrupulous  about  putting  arms  into  the 
hands  of  the  colonists  for  self  defence,  ought  not  to  take  any 
part  in  the  management  of  colonies.  Indeed,  after  this,  it  may 
be  presumed,  that  no  attempt  will  be  made  to  plant  a  colony 
any  where  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  without  furnishing  the  people 
with  arms  and  ammunition.  It  would  be  just  as  reasonable 
to  expect  that  bears  and  tigers  and  lions  would  not  attempt 
to  take  away  the  lives  of  such  persons  as  might  be  exposed  to 
their  rapacity,  as  that  such  unprincipled  savages  would  forbear 
to  murder  imarmed  and  unprotected  settlers  in  their  vicinity, 
when  a  prospect  of  gain  was  offered.  The  natives  have  also 
been   taught  a  salutary  lesson   by  the  prompt  chastisement 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  471 

which  they  received.  They  Icnow  now  that  all  the  colotiies 
have  a  common  cause,  and  that  an  injury  to  one,  will  be 
resented  by  allj;  and  also  that  no  single  tribe  of  natives  can 
stand  before  the  trained  bands  of  the  colonists. 

Although  it  anticipates  an  event  some  time  future,  yet  it  will 
be  convenient  to  mention  here,  that  the  town  of  Edina,  not 
included  in  the  territory  originally  purchased  by  the  Young 
Men's  Society  of  Pennsylvania,  was  in  1837,  by  an  arrange- 
ment between  the  American  Colonization  Society  and  the  two 
societies  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  transferred  to  the 
latter  society,  the  settlers  in  this  thriving  place,  giving  their  full 
and  free  consent  to  the  transfer.  This  must  be  considered  a 
very  favourable  acquisition  to  Bassa  Cove,  and  no  less  advan- 
tageous to  Edina,  as  it  connects  them  with  a  colony  near  at  hand, 
instead  of  one  at  a  distance;  and.  while  the  union  lessens  the 
expenses  of  government,  it  tends  to  combine  the  strength  and 
identify  the  interests  of  both  parties,  and  can  be  no  loss  to  the 
colony  at  Monrovia. 

It  is  proper  to  remark  here,  that  the  settlement  at  Bassa  Cove 
was  commenced  in  the  close  of  the  year  1833,  before  the  eman- 
cipated slaves  of  the  late  Dr.  Hawes  arrived.  It  consisted  at 
first  of  thirty-eight  emigrants,  sent  on  from  Monrovia;  when 
the  Ninus  arrived,  the  number  of  colonists  was  increased  to  one 
hundred  and  seventy-two. 

The  American  Colonization  Society,  besides  the  stipulated  per 
cent,  of  all  collections,  received  from  the  Young  Men's  Colo- 
nization Society  of  Pennsylvania,  from  time  to  time,  special 
pecuniary  aid,  to  enable  them  to  accomplish  important  objects 
to  which  their  own  funds  were  inadequate.  Thus,  as  early  as 
1831,  they  contributed  important  aid  to  enable  the  parent 
society  to  build  a  schooner  of  sixty  tons  burden,  for  the  use  of 
the  colony.  This  vessel  was  built  at  Philadelphia,  and  sailed 
from  that  port,  under  the  command  of  Captain  Abels,  with  a 
coloured  crew.  She  was  called  the  Margaret  Mercer,  as  has 
been  mentioned  in  a  former  part  of  this  work. 

We  will  conclude  this  chapter  with  the  just  and  noble  senti- 
ments of  Dr.  Skinner,  the  American  Colonization  Society's 
agent.  "  I  become  daily  more  convinced  that  the  colonization 
cause  is  the  cause  of  God.  Slavery,  in  a  form  far  more  horrid 
than  in  the  United  States,  exists  in  an  unknown  extent,  spread 
over  this  vast  continent.      A  general  effort  to  civilize,  and 


472  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Christianize  the  natives  is  the  only  means  of  putting  it  down. 
Slave  factories  are  established  all  along  the  coast,  Liberia  only 
excepted,  from  which  thousands,  every  year,  are  carried  into 
perpetual  bondage.  There  is  no  other  conceivable  means  of 
abolishing  it,  but  by  establishing  colonies  along  the  coast. 
Had  I  a  thousand  lives,  I  would  devote  them  all  in  such  an 
enterprise  as  is  now  going  forward  here.  All  the  money 
Avould  be  furnished,  did  the  Christian  public  know  the  facts, 
and  what  is  needed." 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

AGENCY    OF   THE   REV.   J.   B.    FINNEY. 

The  Jupiter  arrived  in  the  harbour  of  Monrovia  on  the  last 
day  of  the  year;  and  on  the  following  day  the  new  colonial 
agent  was  escorted  into  the  town.  His  reception  is  thus  an- 
nounced in  the  Liberia  Herald  for  January,  1S34. 

*' On  New-year's  day,  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  the  new  agency 
boat,  recently  procured  from  the  United  States'  ship  John 
Adams,  was  despatched  to  the  ship  Jupiter,  for  the  colonial 
agent,  Rev.  J.  B.  Pinney.  About  noon  he  landed  at  Waring's 
wharf,  where  he  was  received  by  the  civil  and  military  officers, 
and  the  different  uniform  companies  of  the  colony;  he  was  then 
escorted  to  the  agency-house,  where  he  was  welcomed  by  the 
acting  agent,  G.  R.  McGill,  Esq.  Minute-guns  were  fired  from 
the  time  the  boat  left  the  ship  till  she  arrived  at  the  wharf" 

The  following  testimony  relating  to  the  general  state  of  the 
colony  at  this  period,  is  from  the  report  of  Captain  Voorhees 
of  the  United  States'  ship  John  Adams,  to  the  Navy  Depart- 
ment. "The  importance  of  this  settlement  here  is  daily  de- 
veloping itself,  in  various  ways,  and  is  always  felt  as  a  refuge 
of  security  and  hospitality,  both  to  the  oppressed  natives  and 
the  shipwrecked  mariners.  Lately  a  French  oil  ship  was  cast 
away  to  the  south  of  Grand  Bassa,  when  the  crew,  about 
twenty  in  number,  were  kindly  received  by  the  settlers  at  that 


HISTOHY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  473 

place,  and  from  which  they  safely  travelled  uninterrupted  along 
the  sea  shore  to  Monrovia.  Here  the  generous  hospitality  of 
the  people  of  Liberia,  (though  with  humble  means  and  at  their 
own  expense,)  prompted  them  to  fit  out  a  conveyance  for  the 
seamen,  by  the  government  schooner,  in  which  they  were  car- 
ried to  their  own  settlement  of  Goree.  And  on  our  arrival 
here,  I  found  a  French  man  of  war  barque,  the  commander  of 
which  had  been  despatched  by  the  Governor  of  Goree,  to  ex- 
press the  thanks  of  his  country  to  the  people  of  Liberia,  for  the 
charitable  services  which  they  had  rendered  their  countrymen. 
Monrovia  appears  to  be  in  a  thriving  condition,  and  bears  an 
air  of  comfort  and  neatness  in  the  dwellings  quite  surprising. 
Several  stone  warehouses  and  stone  wharfs  line  the  banks  of 
the  river;  others  are  building,  which,  with  schooners  loading 
and  unloading,  or  repairing,  afford  an  aspect  and  an  air  of  busi- 
ness common  to  a  respectable  white  population.  All  seem  to 
be  employed,  good  order  and  morality  prevailing  throughout. 
The  settlement  must  move  onwards,  and  with  all  its  disadvan- 
tages, it  appears  a  miracle  that  it  should  be  in  such  a  state  of 
advancement.  An  intelligent  man,  about  sixty  years  of  age, 
with  whom  I  conversed,  stated  that  he  had  been  here  about 
eighteen  months,  and  was  getting  on  cleverly  for  himself  and 
family,  and  that  on  no  account  would  he  return  to  the  United 
States.  It  was  true  he  had  not  yet  the  luxuries  which  he  had 
been  accustomed  to  in  America,  but  the  want  of  these  was 
not  to  be  brought  into  competition  with  his  rights  and  privileges 
as  a  man,  in  Liberia;  for  here  only  in  the  consciousness  of 
having  no  superior,  did  he  feel  himself  a  man,  nor  had  he  ever 
before  known  what  it  was  to  be  truly  happy.  Here  only,  in 
the  land  of  their  ancestors,  do  persons  of  colour  find  a  home 
and  a  country — and  here  only  do  they  find  themselves  're- 
deemed, regenerated  and  disenlliralled.' " 

The  whole  of  this  letter  is  very  interesting,  and  may  be  found 
in  the  African  Repository  for  March,  1834.  It  appears  that 
during  the  year  preceding  the  date  of  this  letter,  "the  vessels  to 
]Monrovia,  together  with  their  several  calls,  amounted  to  about 
ninety  in  number,  many  of  them,  foreign  as  well  as  American. 
The  natives  are  frequently  giving  invitations  to  the  people  of 
Mesurado  to  come  and  settle  among  them.  The  trade  of 
Mesurado  with  the  interior,  for  the  last  year  has  fallen  off  con- 
siderably, in  consequence  of  the  war  between  the  native  tribes 
40* 


474  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

about  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  distant.  They  are  all,  how- 
ever, in  harmony  with  the  settlers.  Journeys  are  occasionally 
made  amongst  them,  and  an  intelligent  youth,  about  nineteen 
years  of  age,  son  of  one  of  the  settlers,  lately  penetrated  about 
two  or  three  hundred  miles  into  the  interior.  He  represents  the 
country  at  about  twenty-five  miles  from  the  sea,  as  rising  into 
high  and  hilly  land,  with  a  very  agreeable  and  pleasant  tem- 
perature— the  low  flat  land  along  the  coast  being  covered  with 
moderately  sized  trees  and  a  thick  underwood,  difficult  to 
penetrate,  whilst  that  of  the  higher  ground  abounds  with 
large  timber  of  various  descriptions,  with  scarcely  a  bush,  and 
resembling  in  some  degree  beautifully  cleared  groves.  He 
was  treated  with  great  kindness  by  all  the  chiefs  and  people 
throughout  the  whole  course  of  his  journey.  The  services  of 
the  late  lamented  Dr.  Randall,  continue  to  draw  forth  from 
every  settler  the  most  grateful  acknowledgments.  It  appears 
that  his  directive  energies  gave  a  new  existence  to  the  place, 
and  no  one  could  be  more  deplored." 

A  comparative  view  of  the  population  of  the  colony  at  this 
time,  is  given  in  the  report  for  the  last  year,  as  follows:  "The 
number  which  had  been  sent  to  the  colony  before  the  arrival  of 
these  expeditions,  (those  above  mentioned  as  having  been  so 
severely  afflicted,)  was  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-two  per- 
sons;  and  the  actual  population  of  the  colony  (not  including  the 
recaptured  Africans)  in  1832  was  sixteen  hundred  and  ninety- 
seven.  The  whole  number  of  emigrants  including  the  expedi- 
tions of  last  year,  and  the  recaptured  Africans,  (a  part  of  whom 
only  were  removed  from  this  country,)  has  been  thirty-one 
hundred  and  twenty-three,  while  the  present  population  of  the 
colony  is  stated  at  twenty-eight  hundred  and  sixteen.  About 
fifty  of  the  colonists  are  believed  to  have  been  absent  in  the 
country  at  the  time  this  census  was  taken. "  And  to  account  for 
this  mortality,  assuredly  not  disproportionate  under  the  circum- 
stances, "it  should  not  be  forgotten  that  the  early  emigrants 
were  exposed  to  almost  every  variety  of  hardships  and  sufter- 
ings;  that  several  fell  in  a  contest  with  the  natives;  that  from 
twenty  to  fifty  at  least, have  returned;  that  some  have  perished 
by  disasters  upon  the  rivers  and  at  sea;  that  all  have  had  to 
contend  with  difficulties  inseparable  from  their  enterprise  in  an 
untried  chmate,  and  on  a  distant  and  uncultivated  shore;  and 
finally,  that  neither  the  information  nor  the  pecuniary  means  of 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  475 

the  Society,  have  at  all  times  been  such  as  to  enable  it  ade- 
quately to  fulfil  the  dictates  of  its  own  benevolence." 

It  has  already  been  said,  that  the  annual  meeting  of  the  year 
1834,  was  one  of  unusual  interest.  It  was  so  in  many  respects; 
from  the  unusual  number  present — from  the  high  character  of 
the  speeches  delivered — the  importance  of  the  measures  that 
were  taken  ;  and  from  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  society, 
both  in  its  internal  and  external  aspects.  Besides  the  names  of 
those  ah-eady  mentioned  as  having  taken  an  active  part  in  this 
meeting  of  the  Board,  speeches  were  delivered  by  many  other 
gentlemen  prominent  in  the  church  and  state.  Indeed,  when 
the  present  era  of  this  noble  institution  has  ceased  to  be  cotem- 
porary  history,  it  will  be  found  that  the  records  of  no  other  en- 
terprise of  this  age  show  a  union  of  so  many  of  the  great  and 
good,  in  the  land. 

To  human  appearances,  the  affairs  of  the  Board,  at  home 
this  year,  had  come  to  a  fearful  crisis.  They,  however,  im- 
mediately addressed  themselves  to  the  work  of  removing  the 
burden  of  debt  that  was  so  heavily  pressing  upon  them,  both 
by  economy  and  public  subscription.  The  success  of  these 
efforts  were  not  at  all  commensurate  with  the  pains  taken. 
The  reasons  of  this  are  well  known.  In  many  places  their 
agents  were  publicly  interrupted  and  challenged  by  champ- 
ions, certainly  not  of  truth.  Tliese  were,  nevertheless,  always 
readily  responded  to,  whenever  the  circumstances  of  the  case 
at  all  comported  with  the  dignity  and  seriousness  of  the  cause 
they  defended,  and  the  result  with  candid  persons,  was  always 
such  as  is  ever  with  the  candid,  the  result  of  benevolence  and 
truth.  At  the  city  of  Utica,  after  an  address  by  one  of  the 
Society's  agents,  the  friends  of  Colonization  themselves,  anx- 
ious that  the  full  merits  of  the  cause  should  be  laid  before 
the  public,  proposed  to  give  its  opponents  leave  to  urge  objec- 
tions. A  public  debate  was  accordingly  opened,  and  continued 
through  nine  successive  evenings,  with  great  enthusiasm  and 
ability,  on  both  sides.  A  large  number  of  prominent  gentlemen 
of  either  party  conducted  the  discussion.  The  audience  attend- 
ing, amounted  to  about  two  thousand,  at  each  meeting.  At  the 
conclusion  it  was  resolved,  "  that  this  meeting  deeply  deplore 
the  unfortunate  condition  of  the  coloured  population  of  this 
country,  and  commend  to  the  zealous  support  of  the  philan- 
thropist and  Christian  the  American  Colonization  Society,  as 


476  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  instrument,  under  Providence,  which  is  best  calculated  to 
ameliorate  the  condition  of  the  free  negro  and  secure  the  ultimate 
emancipation  of  the  slave." 

At  an  early  meeting  of  the  year,  the  Board  passed  some  very 
important  measures  in  reference  to  the  internal  economy  of  the 
colony.  They  re-constituted  its  municipal  institutions — increased 
the  number  of  the  colonial  council — extended  its  powers  and 
defined  them.  The  entire  code  of  colonial  law  was,  however, 
soon  after  this  time,  subjected  to  a  much  more  elaborate  revision, 
by  gentlemen  of  the  Board,  eminently  conversant  with  practical, 
as  well  as  theoretic,  law.  Before  this  important  measure  went 
into  operation,  Mr.  Pinney  remarks,  "  it  is  utterly  impossible 
for  one  who  has  never  had  the  experience,  to  imagine,  much 
less  reahze  the  difficulties  in  our  courts.  The  colonial  laws  do 
not  touch  on  one  point  in  a  hundred  which  comes  before  us, 
and  the  single  direction  to  be  guided  by  the  common  law  of 
England  and  the  United  States,  leads  to  endless  difficnlties.  In 
relation  to  the  estates  of  intestates,  the  rules  of  administration, 
the  courts  of  probate,  the  provision  and  government  of  the  poor, 
&c.,  we  are  in  utter  confusion  ;  so  also  in  relation  to  the  port 
regulations,  the  tariff  for  the  supply  of  the  treasury,  and  many 
other  points  of  vital  importance  to  the  interests  of  the  colony." 
Of  course  it  would  be  impossible  for  any  human  sagacity  to 
prescribe  a  code  of  laws  in  all  respects  applicable  and  adequate 
to  the  new  and  varying  emergencies  of  a  society  whose  condi- 
tions and  relations  were  so  complex  and  multiplying  as  those  of 
the  colony  had  become  by  this  time.  Nor  is  it  in  the  power  of 
human  law  to  effect  a  conformity  of  practice  to  its  own  rules, 
in  the  first  instance,  any  more  than  it  is  within  the  sagacity  of 
the  human  lawgiver  to  provide  for  all  possible  cases.  The 
municipal  regulations  of  a  new  society  must  be  mainly  the 
growth  of  the  society  itself.  The  Board,  therefore,  have  wisely 
reserved  to  the  colonial  council  the  power  of  legislation  in 
reference  to  the  "common  law"  which  the  colony  is  naturally 
generating  in  its  own  progress — the  right  to  guide,  confirm,  and 
write  it.  That  they  are  fully  capable  of  so  doing,  their  records 
abundantly  evince. 

Heretofore  a  great  obstacle  in  the  way  of  the  immediate  effi- 
ciency of  new  emigrants,  in  the  colony,  existed  in  the  want  of 
any  suitable  preparations  for  their  reception.  A  great  improve- 
ment was  made  in  this    respect,  by  means  of  an  ordinance 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  477 

"for  the  better  accommodation  of  emigrants  on  their  first  arrival 
in  the  colony,  and  in  order  to  prevent  the  necessity  of  their  im- 
mediately clearing  ground  and  erecting  houses  for  themselves." 
The  colonial  agent  was  instructed  to  have  a  number  of  small 
cottages  erected  on  eligible  sites,  the  grounds  about  them  im- 
proved, and  gardens  planted  with  common  vegetables.  Of  these 
cottages  the  new  emigrants  took  immediate  possession,  and 
found  a  pleasant  home,  with  necessary  provisions  supplied  to 
their  hand  :  a  great  improvement,  that  not  only  promoted  their 
social  comfort  for  the  time,  but  had  an  important  influence  on 
the  general  health  and  efficiency  of  the  colony.  If  any  occu- 
pant of  these  cottages,  after  a  year's  residence,  wished  to  retain 
the  place,  he  could  acquire  it  "  in  fee,"  by  building  a  similar 
cottage,  with  improvements,  on  another  site,  for  some  future 
emigrant.  In  accordance  with  the  advice  of  the  society  at  a 
previous  annual  meeting,  some  direct  and  efficient  measures 
were  taken  to  promote  a  more  general  attention  to  agricultural 
labour  than  had  yet  been  attempted  in  the  colony.  The  agent 
at  Liberia,  was  instructed  to  procure  a  healthy  territory  for  set- 
tlement, on  the  highlands  from  thirty  to  fifty  miles  in  the  inte- 
rior, and  to  open  a  road  with  the  settlement:  and  a  fresh  supply 
of  implements  of  husbandry  were  forwarded  to  the  colony. 
Before  these  instructions  were  received,  the  agent  had  himself 
felt  the  radical  importance  of  the  same  subject,  and  had  institu- 
ted certain  measures,  the  object  of  which  was  to  invite  and  en- 
courage the  people  to  the  prosecution  of  agriculture,  as  the 
fundamental  principle  of  the  operative  part  of  the  colonial  es- 
tablishment. He  had  also  successfully  negotiated  the  purchase 
of  some  interior  territory,  having  a  very  favorable  situation,  of 
considerable  extent,  and  of  great  fertility  of  soil.  He  re-asserted 
the  title  of  the  colony  to  a  considerable  portion  of  land  at 
Bendoo,  back  of  Cape  Mount,  included  within  the  limits  of  the 
original  contract,  but  of  which  the  right  and  possession  had 
been  withheld  by  the  native  kings.  Of  this  beautiful  region, 
Mr.  Pinney  says,  "a  healthier,  or  more  delightful  country  could 
not  be  desired.  The  combined  grandeur  and  beauty  of  the 
scenery  from  Bendoo  is  thrilling,  and  the  passing  visiter  feels 
himself  strongly  urged  to  take  up  his  abode  on  the  borders  of 
the  Pissou.  Bendoo  is  a  high  bluff  at  the  embouchure  of  Pissou 
river  into  the  lake  of  the  same  name.  It  is  the  point  of  land 
between  the  river  and  the   lake  which  was  conveyed  to  the 


478  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

society.  Before  it,  spreads  out  a  lake  of  surpassing  beauty, 
across  which  to  the  side  directly  opposite,  is  a  distance  often  or 
twelve  miles.  Standing  upon  the  bluff,  the  outline  of  the  lake 
to  its  furthest  extremity  inland,  and  thence  all  round,  can  be 
more  or  less  distinctly  seen.  Its  interior,  or  south-eastern  ex- 
tremity, is  an  unbroken  sheet  of  water,  whose  edges  are  covered 
with  a  luxuriant  growth  of  vegetation,  here  and  there  intersper- 
sed with  villages;  this  is  on  the  left  hand  as  seen  from  Bendoo. 
On  the  right,  and  in  front,  westward,  a  multitude  of  little  islands 
stud  its  mouth,  as  if  to  relieve  the  sudden  boldness  of  Cape 
Mount,  which  completes  the  back-ground,  with  an  elevation 
of  eight  hundred,  or  one  thousand  feet.  The  scene  is  one  which 
painters  would  love  to  view.  On  the  high  bluff,  with  a  fine 
lake  and  river  abounding  in  fish,  and  securing  a  free  circulation 
of  air  at  all  times,  I  cannot  believe  an  infant  settlement  would 
have  to  endure  half  the  difficulties  from  climate,  which  have 
been  elsewhere  encountered." 

When  Mr.  Pinney  came  to  undertake  the  active  duties  of  his 
temporary  appointment,  he  found  the  work  arduous  indeed. 
It  appears  that  the  whole  machinery  of  the  colonial  establish- 
ment, with  all  its  appointments,  was  in  a  state  of  great  irregu- 
larity, in  some  instances,  of  utter  confusion.  He  immediately 
set  himself  to  the  business  of  restoring  things  to  their  proper 
order.  And  the  measures  which  he  adopted,  and  the  subse- 
quent success  of  their  operation,  more  than  ratified  the  pro- 
priety of  the  society's  choice,  when  they  selected  Mr.  Pin- 
ney for  the  colonial  agency.  The  wise  and  comprehensive 
forecast  with  which  he  brought  together  discordant  and  dis- 
severed things,  and  embraced  them  within  a  harmonious  plan, 
giving  thereby  a  unity  and  wholeness  to  the  entire  system  and 
conduct  of  the  colony,  and  the  energy  with  which  he  effected 
the  practical  application  of  his  measures,  show  that  he  was  no 
ordinary  man.  Indeed,  so  well  satisfied  were  the  Board  with 
Mr.  Pinney's  first  despatches,  such  a  remarkable  degree  of  good 
judgment  and  executive  ability  did  they  evince,  that  they  re- 
solved to  secure,  if  possible,  his  permanent  services  in  the 
agency.  This  purpose,  however,  was  obstructed  by  the  reluc- 
tance of  the  Western  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  under  whose 
auspices  Mr.  Pinney  had  gone  to  Liberia,  to  yield  their  claim  to 
his  services.  Their  refusal  was  very  respectfully  tendered, 
and  their  reasons  assigned :  but  at  the  same  time  they  reliu- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  479 

qiiished  their  present  claims,  iti  favour  of  the  Board  till  such 
time  as  another  person  might  be  selected  for  the  agency. 

Mr.  Pinney  also  found  the  public  works  of  the  colony  in  a 
dilapidated  condition.  The  agency  house  and  other  buildings 
had  to  be  repaired  in  order  to  render  them  tenantable.  Tlie 
Society's  schooner  was  laid  up  and  rotting  fof  want  of  rigging 
and  tackle.  He  immediately  had  her  overhauled,  and  by 
means  of  materials  kindly  furnished  by  captain  Voorhees 
of  the  United  States'  ship  John  Adams,  she  was  rendered  sea- 
worthy, and  with  a  trade  cargo  of  fourteen  hundred  dollars, 
was  sent  down  the  coast.  For  the  first  time,  ardent  spirits,  an 
article  hitherto  considered  indispensable  as  a  means  of  traffic 
with  the  natives,  was  wholly  excluded  from  the  list  of  her 
goods.  From  the  want  of  suitable  receptacles  for  the  new  emi- 
grants, it  had  been  found  necessary  to  remove  those  which  came 
with  Mr.  Pinney  in  the  Jnpiter,  in  the  first  instance  to  Caldwell, 
and  then  to  transport  such  of  them  as  were  undergoing  the  ac- 
climating fever,  back  again  to  Monrovia.  In  order  to  provide 
against  such  inconveniences,  the  agent  erected  two  large  hospi- 
tals, at  right  angles  with  each  other,  on  the  top  of  the  bluff  at 
the  cape.  These  buildings,  by  their  situation  and  the  showy 
plan  of  their  construction,  present  a  beautiful  appearance  from 
the  harbour.  The  importance  of  a  light-house  on  the  coast, 
having  been  long  felt  both  by  the  colonists  and  by  strangers,  an 
ordinance  was  passed  for  erecting  such  a  building  at  the  cape. 
A  saw-mill,  also,  was  directed  to  be  put  up;  as  well  for  the  pur- 
pose of  furnishing  good  and  cheap  building  materials,  as  to  mono- 
polize the  business  of  sawing;  which  was  not  only  unheailhy 
as  done  by  hand  in  the  swampy  ground,  but  drew  off  labourers 
from  cultivating  the  soil.  The  public  store  was  found  to  be 
without  trade  goods,  the  provisions  were  nearly  exhausted,  and 
those  upon  the  infirmary  list  had  to  be  restricted  to  rations  of 
rice  and  meal  alone.  Late  changes  in  the  mode  of  appointing 
officers,  and  in  the  local  regulations  among  the  recaptured  Afri- 
cans, who  were  of  different  tribes,  had  produced  dissatisfaction, 
and  they  were  in  a  state  of  much  disorder.  The  financial 
affairs  of  the  colony  were  in  great  derangement.  The  mode  of 
compensating  officers  employed  by  the  society,  had  induced 
peculation,  and  orders  of  the  former  agent,  to  the  amount  of 
several  thousand  dollars,  were  held  by  the  colonists,  clamorous 
for  their  pay.     Mr.  Pinney  remodelled  the  plan  of  the  public 


480  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Store,  satisfied  the  public  creditors,  relieved  the  sufferings  of  the 
poor,  made  provisions  for  the  comfort  of  the  infirm,  and  then 
contrived  such  a  method  of  remuneration  to  public  officers,  as 
at  once  secured  the  greatest  diligence  and  the  most  punctual  ex- 
actness, by  making  the  interests  of  those  employed  coincident 
with  the  interests  of  those  that  employed  them.  Among  other 
things,  the  situation  of  the  Eboes  and  Congoes  attracted  the 
agent's  early  attention.  They  were  in  a  state  approaching  to 
war,  from  disputes  and  jealousies  relative  to  their  officers. 
Considerable  difficulty  was  anticipated  in  reconciling  them;  but 
by  permitting  each  tribe  to  have  its  own  officers,  j)eace  was 
soon  restored.  It  was  a  matter  of  greater  difficulty  to  assign 
them  a  proper  location.  By  a  law  of  Governor  Ashmun,  they 
were  to  have  been  placed  at  a  distance  of  three  miles  from  any 
other  settlement.  Lott  Gary  had  placed  them,  or  attempted  to 
place  them,  immediately  back  of  some  lands  given  to  the  colo- 
nists on  Stockton,  about  half  way  from  Monrovia  to  Caldwell, 
hence  called  the  "  Half-way  Farms,"  a  location  very  inexpe- 
dient both  to  the  colonists  and  themselves;  however,  by  mis- 
take they  were  actually  placed  on  lands  belonging  to  indivi- 
duals. By  some  neglect  they  had  never  been  removed,  and  it 
was  now  thought  it  would  be  cruel  and  unjust  to  do  so.  They 
had  the  reputation  of  being  the  most  enterprising  labourers  in 
the  colony,  and  were  making  the  most  rapid  advances  of  any. 
During  the  preceding  year  they  had  left  their  old  town  of  thatched 
houses,  and  laid  out  another  on  the  same  territory,  near  the  river, 
of  good  frame  buildings.  The  agent  says,  "  I  could  not  reconcile 
it  to  my  sense  of  duty,  to  leave  them  at  the  mercy  of  the  colo- 
nists on  whose  lands  they  had  built;  I  have  therefore  determined 
to  make  exchanges,  even  at  the  expense  of  parting  with  town 
lots  of  considerable  value.  By  this  means  I  hope  to  obtain  lands 
there  of  sufficient  extent  to  lay  them  out  a  town  on  the  Stock- 
ton, that  the  experiment  which  they  have  begun  may  have  a 
full  trial.  When  informed  of  this  plan  their  joy  seemed  to  know 
no  bounds;  and  in  their  eftbrts  to  evince  it  by  firing  a  great 
gun,  three  men  were  very  severely  wounded." 

At  the  same  time,  the  agent  found  throughout  the  entire  ter- 
ritory of  the  colony,  a  large  number  of  floating  and  disputed 
titles,  in  consequence  of  the  absence  of  accurate  surveys.  He 
proceeded  at  once  to  adjust  these  and  fit  the  proper  land-marks. 
In  the  midst  of  such  a  complication  of  difficulties,  Mr,  Pinney 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  4S1 

adapted  all  his  measures  with  a  discretion,  promptitude  and 
energy,  and  with  a  final  success,  which  entities  him  to  the  last- 
ing gratitude  of  the  friends  of  colonization. 

In  relation  to  the  moral  and  religious  state  of  the  colony  at 
this  time,  "  I  cannot,'*  says  the  agent,  "compare  it  with  former 
years,  not  having  had  experience.  There  is,  as  in  all  other 
communities,  so  here,  a  larger  portion  of  vice  than  the  good 
would  wish  to  see;  yet  I  am  persuaded  that  a  large  portion  of 
the  community  are  virtuous,  and  inclined  to  favour  a  severe 
construction  of  the  laws.  The  Baptist  church  is  not  yet  com- 
pleted, but  the  materials  are  now  ready,  and  it  is  intended  at 
once  to  have  it  prepared  for  use.  A  Presbyterian  church  is 
under  contract,  and  the  walls  are  rapidly  rising.  The  Methodist 
society  are  also  about  erecting  a  very  large  and  beautiful  building 
at  Monrovia,  their  old  place  of  worship  being  almost  useless. 
They  have  already  nearly  completed  a  church  at  Edina.  The 
teachers  in  our  schools  are  very  attentive,  and,  as  a  general  thing, 
very  successful." 

The  emigrants  who  went  out  with  Mr.  Pinney  in  the  Jupiter, 
under  Dr.  Todsen's  management,  all  passed  through  the  accli- 
mating fever,  except  an  aged  woman  who  refused  medicine, 
and  two  very  young  children.  The  fever  was  so  light  in  all 
the  cases  that  hopes  were  entertained  none  would  be  fatal. 
But  in  this  they  were  painfully  disappointed.  Mrs.  Wright,  of 
the  mission  family,  after  having  attended  her  husband  unremit- 
tingly for  three  weeks,  was  attacked  just  as  he  became  conva- 
lescent, and,  in  consequence  of  a  wrong  administration  of 
medicine  by  an  ignorant  nurse,  she  very  suddenly  died.  Mr. 
Savage,  a  young  gentleman  from  western  New  York,  dread- 
fully prostrated  by  the  fever  that  had  preyed  upon  him  for  six 
months  before  the  physicians  arrived,  speedily  followed  her. 
They  were  both  lovely,  and  neither  could  fail,  even  upon  a 
cursory  acquaintance,  to  awaken  an  uncommon  interest.  "We 
mourn  our  loss,"  say  the  colonists,  "not  theirs."  The  general 
health  of  the  colony  was  excellent,  and  very  iaw  deaths  had 
occurred.  The  average  number  of  deaths,  even  at  this  time,  as 
compared  with  cotemporary  tables  of  mortality,  was  in  favour 
of  the  colony.  They  now  numbered  about  three  thousand  in 
all;  more  than  one  half  of  whom  were  manumitted  slaves, 
and  five  hundred  of  them  recaptured  Africans;  with  a  territory 
stretching  along  the  coast  about  two  hundred  miles,  and  ex- 
41 


482  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

tending  thirty  miles  into  the  interior,  containing  two  hundred 
thousand  natives,  of  whom  two  tribes  of  from  twenty  to  twenty- 
five  thousand  had  voluntarily  submitted  to  the  colony,  and  were 
sending  their  children  to  its  schools,  and  capable  of  sustaining 
and  rendering  wealthy  and  comfortable  more  than  one  million 
inhabitants. 

The  colony  was  called,  on  the  eleventh  of  September,  to 
mourn  the  death  of  one  of  its  most  valuable  citizeps,  Mr. 
Francis  Devany,  of  whose  public  testimony  in  behalf  of  the 
colony,  notice  was  taken  in  the  preceding  pages.* 

On  the  twenty-first  June,  the  brig  Jupiter,  returned  to  the 
colony,  from  the  city  of  New-York,  with  stores,  agricultural 
implements,  and  trade  goods,  to  the  amount  of  seven  thousand 
dollars.  Among  the  passengers,  were  the  Rev.  Ezekiel  Skinner, 
of  Connecticut,  missionary  and  physician,  and  Robert  McDow- 
all,  of  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  a  coloured  physician,  under  ap- 
pointment by  the  Board,  as  colonial  physicians.  They  were 
accompanied  by  an  assisstant,  Charles  H.  Webb,  a  coloured  man, 
one  of  the  medical  students  under  the  care  of  the  Board;  also 
Mr.  Searle,  graduate  of  Amherst  College;  and  Mr,  Finley, grad- 
uate of  New  Jersey  College,  as  teachers,  under  the  patronage  of 
the  Ladies'  Association  of  New-York  city.  In  addition  to  these 
a  coloured  woman  of  education  and  piety,  from  Vermont,  em- 
barked of  her  own  accord  and  motive,  to  devote  herself  to  the 
cause  of  education  in  Africa. 

*  He  held  for  some  time  the  office  of  high  sheriff  of  the  colon)',  and  in  the  vari. 
ous  relations  of  life,  sustained  and  deserved  the  reputation  of  an  honest  man.  He 
died  of  consumption. 

About  the  same  time  died  "  King  Tom  Bassa,"  of  little  Bassa,  a  prince  remark- 
able for  his  good  sense,  moderation  and  love  of  justice  ;  as  he  showed  himself,  in 
several  instances,  a  friend  to  the  colony,  his  death  deserves  to  be  noticed  in  this 
place.  The  following  curious  account  of  his  interment  is  taken  from  the  Liberia 
Herald.  "  Two  bullocks  were  slain,  one  placed  at  the  head  and  the  other  at  the 
foot  of  the  grave,  into  which  were  also  put  two  large  chests  of  dry-goods,  in  the 
same  position,  also  one  high  post  bedstead  and  mattrass;  then  the  corps,  dressed 
after  civilized  mode,  with  a  hat,  two  umbrellas  and  shoes  ;  then  a  kettle  of  rice  ; 
two  large  pots  of  rice,  one  at  the  head  another  at  the  foot;  two  large  looking 
glasses  in  the  same  position  ;  coral  beads,  pipes,  tobacco,  mugs,  decanters,  wash 
hand  basins,  swords,  cutlasses,  and  one  hundred  native  mats,  when  a  general  fill 
up  took  place ;  outside  the  grave  was  placed  a  large  slave  pot  to  receive  donations 
from  the  pious.  As  soon  as  his  death  was  known  a  general  lamentation  took 
place  throughout  the  country ;  and  it  is  said  every  absentee  is  obliged  to  perform  this 
cry  no  matter  how  many  years  may  elapse  before  he  returns  to  his  country ;  it 
being  viewed  in  the  light  of  a  religious  duty." 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  483 

Dr.  Todsen's  official  relations  to  the  colony  terminated  on  the 
arrival  of  this  vessel.  Mr.  Finney's  health  was  so  bad  during 
the  summer,  that  he  was  under  the  necessity  of  transferring  the 
active  duties  of  his  station  to  Dr.  Skinner,  who  in  addition  to 
these  was  attending  to  missionary  labours,  and  with  his  assis- 
tants, faithfully  pursued  the  practice  of  his  profession  as  a 
physician.  His  treatment  of  the  diseases  of  the  colony  was 
unusually  successful.  He  considered  Millsburg  as  the  most 
healthy  of  the  colonial  settlements,  and  pointed  out  the  neigh- 
borhood of  some  mountains  in  the  vicinity,  as  an  eligible  site 
for  a  medical  or  high  school.  As  a  proof  of  the  salubrity  of  this 
region  he  mentions  the  case  of  two  families  living  there,  each 
consisting  of  nine  persons,  who  were  among  the  first  settlers, 
and  had  all  passed  through  the  fever  without  physician  or  medi- 
cine. Dr.  Skinner  was  of  opinion  that  every  part  of  Liberia 
would  be  rendered  more  healthy  by  cultivation. 

In  promoting  religion  and  morality  among  the  colonists,  and 
in  stimulating  them  to  active  usefulness,  this  officer  was  an  effi- 
cient co-operator  with  the  agent.  The  Board  were  gratified  to 
learn  from  him,  that  he  found  the  state  of  society  in  the  colony 
moral  and  orderly,  in  a  very  high  degree. 

"  Every  obstacle,"  says  he,  "will  vanish  before  judicious  and 
patient  exertion.  The  glory  of  our  Creator,  the  good  of  man- 
kind, the  prosperity  of  our  own  country,  the  interests  of  the  pre- 
sent and  the  welfare  of  the  future  generations,  glory,  honour, 
interest,  religion, call  us;  and  united,  point  out  the  path  to  gain 
the  end." 

The  State  Colonization  Society  of  Kentucky,  for  the  purpose 
of  satisfying  their  people  by  the  most  unexceptionable  testimony 
of  the  actual  condition  of  the  colony,  determined  to  send  out, 
this  year,  a  special  messenger  for  the  single  purpose  of  ob- 
serving with  minuteness  all  that  was  necessary  for  an  emigrant 
to  know.  The  person  selected  was  Joseph  Jones,  of  Winches- 
ter, a  coloured  man,  who  proceeded  upon  his  mission,  and  after 
an  absence  of  more  than  a  year  returned  with  his  report  of  the 
land.  Mr.  Jones  was  a  very  superior  man  of  his  class,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  over  forty  years  of  age, 
"a  man  of  great  observation,  intelligence,  and  candour,"  He 
bore  this  recommendation  back  from  Governor  Pinney:  "Mr. 
Jones'  conduct  whilst  here,  has  been  blameless,  and  a  pattern 
for  others,  and  I  trust  he  will  find  favour  before  God  and  man. 


4S4  HISTORY    OF  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

If  the  section  of  country  from  which  he  came,  can  afford  us 
one  hundred  men  possessing  the  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  pa- 
tience and  perseverance  which  he  has  evinced  so  far,  they  will 
bless  the  colony  by  their  presence."  Upon  his  submitting  his 
report  to  the  Board  they  unanimously  resolved,  that  they  were 
fully  satisfied  with  the  manner  in  which  he  had  performed  the 
services  expected  from  him,  that  he  was  entitled  to  the  thanks 
of  the  society  for  the  great  amount  of  useful  information  which 
he  had,  with  much  toil  and  labour,  acquired,  and  that  the  Board 
recommend  liim  to  the  kind  and  respectful  consideration  of  all 
persons  friendly  disposed  to  African  colonization,  as  a  man 
of  excellent  character,  of  a  clear  and  vigorous  understanding, 
and  possessed  of  those  qualities  which  make  a  man  useful  to 
society.  They  also  requested  Mr.  Jones  to  accompany  their 
agent  to  the  principal  places  in  the  State,  for  the  purpose  of  giving 
information  with  regard  to  the  colony.  He  was  a  sincere,  mo- 
dest man,  had  no  set  speeches  or  studied  narrative  to  give,  but 
spoke  without  remuneration  and  from  his  heart,  about  the 
country  he  had  visited,  and  which  he  had  deliberately  chosen 
as  his  future  home — for  as  a  proof  of  his  own  conviction  of  the 
many  advantages  which  Liberia  offers  to  the  free  coloured  man, 
he  had  determined  to  return  and  connect  his  destinies  with 
those  of  his  countrymen  in  the  colony.  It  will  be  found  that 
one  such  man  as  Joseph  Jones  has  done  more  actual  good  to 
his  kind,  than  a  whole  army  of  abolitionists. 

Although  the  parent  society  was  prohibited  this  year  from  fit- 
ting out  any  new  expeditions,  yet  auxiliary  societies,  missionary 
societies,  and  other  friends,  did  not  permit  the  cause  in  this  re- 
spect to  languish.  The  only  exceptions  to  the  rule,  adopted  by 
the  Board  at  their  last  meeting,  which  directed  for  the  present 
the  society's  withdrawal  from  the  business  of  direct  emigration, 
were  two:  one  was  the  case  of  fourteen  manumitted  slaves  be- 
longing to  the  estate  of  the  late  Matthew  Page,  of  Frederick 
county,  Virginia,  to  whom  the  Young  Men's  Society  of  Penn- 
sylvania, gave  a  free  passage  in  the  vessel  which  carried  out 
the  new  emigrants  for  Bassa  Cove — the  other  case  was  that  of 
between  thirty  and  forty  slaves  liberated,  on  condition  of  colo- 
nization, by  the  last  will  and  testament  of  the  late  Rev.  John 
Stockdell,  of  Virginia.  Their  contested  claim  to  freedom  having 
been  decided  in  their  favour,  the  Board  determined,  under  the 
peculiar  circumstances  of  the  case,  to  make  an  effort  for  promptly 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  485 

conveying  them  to  the  colony.  In  the  latter  part  of  this  year 
also,  a  correspondence  had  taken  place  between  the  Navy  De- 
partment and  the  Board,  in  relation  to  sixty-two  recaptured 
Africans,  who  had  been  placed  at  the  disposition  of  the  Federal 
Government  by  the  judgment  of  one  of  its  courts.  This  corres- 
pondence resulted  in  the  acceptance  by  the  Department  of 
terms  on  which  the  Board  proceeded  to  restore  those  unfor- 
tunate persons  to  their  native  land. 

The  citizens  of  Albany,  in  the  state  of  New  York,  projected 
the  establishment  of  a  temperance  settlement  in  Liberia — to 
consist  of  one  hundred  new  emigrants — to  be  located  on  an 
eligible  site,  at  the  option  of  the  society's  agent,  and  to  be 
called  New-Albany.  They  agreed  to  raise  three  thousand  dol- 
lars for  this  purpose,  fifteen  hundred  of  which  sum  was  this 
year  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Board,  who  accepted  it  for  the 
purpose  proposed,  and  directed  their  agent  to  proceed  at  once 
to  the  selection  of  a  site  and  all  necessary  preparations.  This 
was  accordingly  done.  The  Board  also  accepted  a  proposition 
from  the  Kentucky  State  Society,  who  offered  to  send  out  fifty 
emigrants  at  their  own  expense,  and  acceded  to  the  appropria- 
tion of  five  hundred  dollars  left  by  a  lady  of  Kentucky,  for  that 
purpose. 

By  appointment  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Seys  went  out  to  the  charge  of  their  missions  in  the  colony. 
A  more  judicious  selection  could  scarcely  have  been  made.  A 
native  of  the  West  Indies,  he  had  nothing  to  fear  from  the  cli- 
mate: he  was  acquainted  with  the  agriculture  of  tropical  lati- 
tudes, experienced  in  business,  industrious  and  persevering, 
conciliating  in  his  manners,  and  a  zealous  Christian.  He 
visited  the  various  settlements,  and  in  a  few  weeks  established 
several  new  schools. 

The  exertions  of  the  parent  society  to  promote  the  cause  of 
education  in  the  different  settlements  of  the  colony,  were  nobly 
seconded  by  auxiliary  societies.  The  Massachusetts  Society, 
founded  on  a  principle  very  appropriate  to  that  State,  famous 
for  the  completeness  of  its  system  of  education,  devoted  its  at- 
tention to  the  specific  object  of  establishing  schools  in  the  colony 
and  supplying  them  with  well  qualified  teachers.  Besides 
others  which  have  been  already  mentioned,  the  Ladies  Asso- 
ciation of  New  York,  and  the  Female  Colonization  Society  of 
Richmond  and  Manchester,  Virginia,  rendered  essential  aid  to 
41* 


4S6  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  Board,  in  the  cause  of  education.  The  former  sent  out,  as 
a  teacher,  Eunice  Sharp,  an  intelHgent  and  zealous  female,  well 
provided  with  school  apparatus — the  latter,  sent  out  Mrs. 
Cyples  from  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  a  lady  strongly  recom- 
mended by  Mr.  Grimke.  The  colony  had  already  done  much 
towards  spreading  the  English  language  among  the  natives  over 
an  immense  territory,  and  it  was  every  where  regarded  as  a 
great  accomplishment,  and  had  become  an  object  of  ambitious 
competition  among  the  natives,  who  should  soonest  acquire  its 
fluent  use.  The  influence  of  the  colony  in  meliorating  the  con- 
dition of  the  miserable  Africans  within  its  reach,  was  growing 
more  and  more  manifest — not  only  mediately,  as  being  the  only 
possible  means  of  opening  the  way  to  missions,  but  directly  in 
its  efforts  to  educate  the  natives  who  came  into  the  settlement — 
old  superstitions  were  beginning  to  give  way,  and  habits  of  de- 
cency and  civilization  to  be  adopted.  The  presence  of  a  regu- 
lar civilized  community,  acting  as  a  city  set  on  a  hill  in  the 
midst  of  them,  could  not  but  soon  enlighten  the  heathenish 
darkness  which  had  prevailed  around  it.  The  slave  trade  was 
driven  from  the  whole  line.  The  colonists  were  no  longer 
looked  upon  by  the  natives  as  encroaching  conquerors,  but  as 
returning  brothers — not  one  acre  of  ground  did  it  hold  from 
them  which  had  not  been  voluntarily  ceded,  and  for  a  fair  con- 
sideration— its  title  to  every  inch  of  ground  stands  as  clear  in 
the  broadest  equity,  as  in  the  strictest  law.  In  this  view  no 
parallel  can  be  drawn  between  the  African  colony  in  its  bearing 
upon  the  African  people,  and  the  case  of  the  American  colonies 
and  the  American  aborigines.  In  the  one  case  they  were  men 
of  another  race,  superior  and  of  incompatible  nature,  encroach- 
ing upon  the  territory  of  men  whom  they  could  only  subdue  by 
annihilating.  In  the  other  case,  they  are  exiles  and  brothers, 
returning  to  their  kindred  and  their  native  land. 

The  cause  of  African  missions  suffered  severely  by  the  decease 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Laird  and  wife,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cloud,  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wright  and  wife,  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church;  individuals  who,  by  their  talents, 
zeal  and  piety,  were  well  qualified  for  extensive  usefulness  in  that 
great  and  holy  work  to  which  their  lives  were  cheerfully  devo- 
ted; cut  down  in  the  commencement  of  their  labours,  they  could 
do  little  more  than  exhibit,  under  the  most  trying  circumstances, 
the  noble  Christian  spirit  which  animated  them,  and  bequeath  an 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  4S7 

example  of  influence  to  revive  something  of  the  primitive  spirit 
of  our  reUgion  in  the  bosom  of  the  church.  In  addition  to  this 
mournful  array,  the  society  was  called  to  mourn  the  death  of 
two  individuals  of  much  consideration  in  the  colony,  the  Rev. 
C.  M.  Waring,  who  emigrated  from  Virginia  in  1823,  pas- 
tor of  the  First  Baptist  Church,  a  member  of  the  colonial  coun- 
cil, and  who  had  twice  filled  the  office  of  vice-agent ;  and  the 
Rev.  Gustavus  V.  Caesar,  an  emigrant  from  Hartford,  minister 
of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  surveyor  of  the  colony.  In  refer- 
ence to  these  most  afiiictive  dispensations,  Mr.  Pinney  piously 
and  heroically  remarks, — "Our  losses  do  not  dishearten  me.  I 
trust  the  church  will  not  be  discouraged ;  God  is  about  to  try  us, 
but  I  hope  some  good  will  be  found,  and  faith  which  shall  not 
tremble,  though  a  thousand  fall." 

At  the  close  of  this  year,  the  Board  were  under  the  painful 
necessity  of  declaring  that  Mr.  Finney's  official  relations  with 
the  colony  were  to  cease.  "His  administration,  until  disease 
incapacitated  him  for  exertion,  was  so  vigorous,  provident,  and 
discreet,  that  the  Board  feel  pain  in  announcing  that  the  society 
is  no  longer  to  have  the  benefit  of  his  valuable  services,  as  he 
proposes  to  devote  himself  to  his  missionary  labours  so  soon  as 
a  new  colonial  agent  can  be  appointed." 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

AGENCY    OF    DR.    E.    SKINNER,    1835. 

The  government  of  the  colony,  by  the  retirement  of  Mr.  Pin- 
ney, had  now  devolved  upon  Dr.  Skinner,  colonial  phj^sician, 
a  gentleman  whose  indefatigable  labours  as  a  medical  man, 
as  well  as  a  missionary,  had  already  won  the  hearts  of  the 
people,  and  who  was  well  fitted  by  a  natural  energy  of  mind 
and  aptitude  for  business,  to  enter  upon  the  labours  of  the  pre- 
vious Governor,  and  complete  the  improvements  which  had 
been  commenced  under  his  administration.  For  some  time 
previous  to  Dr.  Skinner's  entering  upon  the  office,  there  had 
been  no  actual  head  to  the  government,  in  consequence  of  Mr. 
Finney's  ill  health;  and  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  under 


488  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

such  circumstances  the  sanctions  of  law  should  have  lost  some- 
thing of  their  authority,  when  they  had  no  one  properly  to 
enforce  them,  and  that  dissatisfaction  with  government  should 
have  been  manifested  by  those  who  complained  that  they  had 
no  adequate  government  at  all.  But  as  soon  as  Dr.  Skinner 
entered  upon  his  office,  he  found  a  people  as  docile  and  acces- 
sible to  motives  as  any  others,  and  the  supremacy  of  law  was 
acknowledged  as  soon  as  the  people  perceived  a  duly  consti- 
tuted magistrate  at  their  head.  Indeed  a  comparison  of  the 
annals  of  this  colony  with  the  history  of  similar  undertakings, 
will  show,  that  there  never  has  been  a  new  colony  yet  established 
which  was  composed  of  people  so  tractable,  so  forbearing,  and 
so  reasonable  in  all  respects,  as  those  who  have  composed  the 
colony  of  Liberia.  When  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case 
are  considered,  it  might  very  naturally  be  anticipated  that  a 
principal  obstacle  in  the  way  of  the  undertaking  would  be 
difficulties  existing  among  the  emigrants  themselves,  and  their 
relations  to  the  Society  on  this  side  the  ocean.  But  instead 
of  this,  we  do  not  find  in  all  their  history,  a  single  instance 
of  intestine  disturbance  among  them  which  does  not  seem  to 
have  had  an  apparent  reason,  and  which  was  not  quelled 
by  the  very  first  explanation.  It  is  to  be  remembered  too, 
that  these  people  from  the  outset  have  been  treated  by  the 
Society  as  independent  men,  and  admitted  to  a  principal  part 
in  their  own  legislation.  In  this  aspect  of  the  undertaking, 
we  confidently  assert,  that  the  inhabitants  of  Liberia  present 
to  the  world  a  recommendation,  not  only  of  the  cause  in  which 
they  have  engaged,  but  of  the  cause  of  humanity  itself — an 
example  remarkable  in  the  history  of  nations  and  unknown  to 
the  records  of  colonization. 

Dr.  Skinner  went  to  Liberia  with  a  true  conception  of  the 
single  direct  business  of  the  Colonization  Society,  the  radical 
idea  of  the  whole  scheme,  and  that  in  which  lay  the  consum- 
mation of  its  wisdom — the  colonization  with  their  own  con- 
sent, upon  the  coast  of  Africa,  of  the  free  people  of  colour  of 
the  United  States.  He,  therefore,  clearly  perceived  that  from 
this  time  it  was  a  vital  and  principal  thing  in  the  practical 
working  of  the  scheme,  to  render  the  colony  in  all  respects  a 
plainly  inviting  home  for  those  who  were  to  be  the  voluntary 
recipients  of  its  benefits. 

Under  these  views  of  the  present  state  and  wants  of  the 
colonization  cause,  Dr.  Skinner  entered  upon  the  active  duties 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION.  4S9 

of  the  agency  at  the  colony;  and  the  vigour  with  which  he 
prosecuted  the  work  shows  that  he  was  a  man  of  no  ordinary 
strength  of  mind,  as  he  certainly  was  not  of  benevolence  of 
heart.  We  have  seen  that  he  had  previously  paid  his  special 
attention  to  the  sanatary  condition  of  the  colony;  he  had  modi- 
fied and  greatly  improved  the  methods  of  medical  treatment  in 
use  before  his  time,  and  adopted  precautionary  measures  which 
had  the  effect  in  some  cases  to  prevent,  and  in  all  to  lighten 
the  force  of  the  acclimating  fevers.  He  frequently  declares 
that  with  wholesome  diet,  airy  houses  and  strict  cleanliness, 
the  colony  could  be  rendered  not  only  healthy  but  eminently 
salubrious.  In  treating  the  fever  he  relied  chiefly  upon  these 
precautionary  measures,  together  with  careful  venesection ; 
abolishing  in  all  but  indispensable  cases,  the  use  of  quinine, 
which  had  been  the  universal  remedy.  So  highly  did  the 
Board  esteem  the  medical  services  of  Dr.  Skinner  that  they 
felt  solicitous  he  should  be  able  to  give  his  undivided  attention 
to  them;  his  appointment  to  the  agency  was  therefore  only 
considered  as  temporary.  He  continued  to  administer  the  office 
until  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1836,  when,  in  consequence  of 
broken  health  incurred  by  the  frequency  of  his  labours  and 
self-sacrificing  exposures,  he  was  obliged  to  return  to  America. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1835,  the  society  found  itself  nearly 
free  of  its  great  debt.  This  gratifying  state  of  its  finances  was 
produced,  as  we  have  seen,  by  a  steady  adherence  to  the  policy 
indicated  by  the  managers  in  their  special  report  a  year  pre- 
vious— the  business  of  direct  emigration  was  postponed  to  the 
primary  objects  of  diminishing  the  debt  of  the  society,  and  im- 
proving the  condition  of  the  colony — they  then  cast  themselves 
upon  the  liberality  of  the  friends  of  the  cause,  nor  did  they 
appeal  in  vain. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  the  brig  Rover,  Captain  Outerb ridge, 
left  New  Orleans  for  Liberia,  and  arrived  at  Monrovia  on  the 
27th  of  April,  with  seventy-one  emigrants  for  the  colony.  For 
good  character,  intelligence,  and  property,  the  persons  compo- 
sing this  expedition  were  represented  as  being  superior  to  any 
company  that  had  ever  entered  at  one  time  into  the  colony. 
Twenty-six  of  their  number  had  been  selected  out  of  one  hundred 
and  thirty,  emancipated  by  James  Green,  Esq.,  deceased,  of  Mis- 
sissippi, for  their  faithful  services : — forty-three  were  from  Clai- 
born  county,  having  excellent  characters,  and  carrying  with 
them  property  to  the  amount  of  ten  thousand  dollars.     No  pre- 


490  HISTORT    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

vioiTs  expedition  had  been  so  munificently  fitted  out,  and  all  the 
emigrants  had  been  under  a  course  of  education  and  discipline, 
with  a  view  to  their  colonization.  The  entire  expense  was  de- 
frayed by  the  friends  of  colonization  in  the  state  of  Mississippi. 
Among  these  emigrants  were  Rev.  Gloster  Simpson  and  Archy 
Moore,  two  pious  and  intelligent  individuals,  who  had  pre- 
viously visited  the  colony,  as  exploring  agents,  on  behalf  of  the 
free  coloured  people  of  Mississippi.  Rev.  Gloster  Simpson 
was  a  regularly  ordained  minister  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  At  the  farewell  meeting  held  previous  to  the  em- 
barkation of  tlie  company  he  preached  a  sermon  which  would 
not  have  been  discreditable  to  many  preachers  who  have  had 
the  advantages  of  an  early  and  mature  education. — "One  day," 
said  he,  "  as  a  friend  was  pointing  out  to  me  the  graves  of  the 
missionaries,  white  men,  who  had  gone  to  that  land  of  dark- 
ness to  diffuse  the  light  of  salvation,  and  had  fallen  in  quick 
succession,  one  after  another,  martyrs  to  the  holy  cause,  I  could 
not  but  exclaim, '  0  !  Lord,  and  shall  there  not  come  from  our 
own  ranks,  men  to  take  their  places,  and  preach  to  our  be- 
nighted brethren,  the  gospel  of  Christ?'  For  one,  I  am  willing 
and  determined  to  go."  At  another  meeting  he  said: — "  For  a 
long  time  I  had  desired  to  find  a  place  of  refuge,  where  I  might 
enjoy  liberty  and  such  advantages  as  I  could  not  here — not 
that  I  was  treated  unkindly  in  Mississippi — I  have  many  dear 
friends  there.  But  it  is  not  possible  for  coloured  men  to  enjoy 
among  white  men  all  the  privileges  and  advantages  of  liberty. 
I  heard  a  good  deal  about  Liberia,  and  read  a  great  deal. — 
We  arrived  at  Monrovia  the  last  day  of  June — there  was  a 
quarterly  meeting  on  the  second  day  of  July — 1  went  ashore. 
The  heavens  appeared  to  open  over  me.  I  seemed  to  be  born 
a  second  time.  Every  thing  looked  kindly.  It  looked  like 
the  home  for  the  coloured  man.  Mr.  Moore  and  I  travelled 
about  and  examined  the  country — we  saw  abundance  of  every 
thing  growing.  The  people  looked  as  healthy  there  as  they  do 
here.  I  have  persevered  so  far  and  am  now  about  to  embark 
for  Liberia.  I  hope  to  do  something  for  my  blessed  Master's 
cause  there  if  he  spares  my  life.  If  death  be  my  early  lot,  I 
hope  to  be  as  ready  and  willing  to  meet  it  on  the  coast  of  Af- 
rica, as  on  the  shores  of  the  Mississippi.  Brethren  pray  for  us." 
His  family  was  in  bondage  at  the  time  of  his  return  from  his 
mission  to  the  colony;  but  immediately  upon  his  signifying  his 
wish  to  colonize,  the  gentleman  who  owned  his  family,  Robert 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  491 

Cochrane,  Esq.,  executed  a  bill  of  sale  to  Gloster  for  the  whole. 
They  were  estimated  to  be  worth  four  thousand  dollars. 

Archy  Moore  was  a  member  in  good  standing  of  the  Metho- 
dist church — an  intelligent,  respectable  man,  who  had  lived 
without  reproach.  His  family  was  also  in  bondage,  and  were 
liberated  by  some  gentlemen  of  Mississippi,  at  a  cost  of  nearly 
two  thousand  dollars.  When  told  that  his  family  was  free,  and 
he  could  go,  his  joy  knew  no  bounds.  Mr.  Moore,  at  the  same 
meeting,  narrated  some  of  the  results  of  his  experience  as  col- 
league of  Simpson,  on  the  mission.  "As  to  our  moving  to  Libe- 
ria, we  have  no  more  cause  for  going  than  other  free  people.  We 
go  of  choice.  I  go  to  enjoy  liberty  and  equality  of  rights.  As  to 
the  natural  productions  of  the  country,  they  exceed  anything  I 
ever  saw  in  all  my  travels  elsewhere.  As  to  the  style  of  living 
among  the  colonists,  it  was  quite  superior  to  what  I  expected 
to  see.  Many  houses  where  I  visited  looked  like  those  of  re- 
spectable white  families.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Devany's.  He  intro- 
duced us  into  a  sitting  room  well  furnished  with  carpet,  chairs, 
two  elegant  sofas,  and  mirrors.  In  a  little  while  the  folding 
doors  opened,  and  we  were  invited  to  take  seats  at  the  table, 
richly  set  and  well  supplied.  Some  may  think  I  am  ignorant 
of  what  good  style  is.  But  I  have  lived  in  the  first  families  of 
the  country.  I  lived  many  years  with  Governor  Clairborn  of 
your  State,  Twenty  years  ago,  I  know  the  furniture  of  the  best 
houses  in  the  west  was  not  better  than  what  I  saw  in  common 
use  in  Liberia.  I  go  willingly.  I  have  got  a  living  here,  in 
slavery,  and  now  that  I  am  free,  if  I  can't,  with  health,  get  a 
living  there,  then  let  me  suffer." 

Another  was  a  brother  of  the  last  named.  About  nine  years 
before,  he  had  been  emancipated  for  his  meritorious  services — 
bearing  an  excellent  character  for  piety  and  talents,  he  was  a 
valuable  accession  to  the  colony.  This  man  was  remarkable 
for  an  uncommon  and  very  impressive  equanimity  and  self 
possession.  He  was  seldom  seen  to  be  out  of  temper,  except 
when  attempts  were  made  to  dissuade  him  from  going  to  Libe- 
ria. He  said"  he  could  not  help  considering  those  his  enemies, 
who  attempted  to  do  so."  He  took  with  him  a  cotton-gin 
stand,  one  thousand  dollars'  worth  of  agricultural  implements 
and  mechanics'  tools,  one  thousand  dollars'  worth  of  trade  goods, 
and  about  three  thousand  dollars  in  specie.  He  was  accompa- 
nied by  his  wife  and  six  children,  whom  he  had  redeemed  from 
slavery,  at  an  expense  of  five  thousand  dollars.     One  of  these 


492  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

children,  a  son  aged  fifteen  years,  was  a  good  English  scholar, 
and  had  made  considerable  progress  in  the  Latin  language. 
At  a  public  meeting  held  at  New  Orleans  before  their  depar- 
ture, they  all  formed  themselves  into  a  temperance  society,  on 
the  principles  of  total  abstinence.  No  company  of  colonists 
ever  departed  under  more  hopeful  auspices  than  this  from  New 
Orleans.  They  were  sped  by  the  cordial  plaudits  of  thousands 
of  the  most  respectable  citizens  of  that  city,  and  the  states  both 
of  Louisiana  and  Mississippi.  The  deepest  interest  was  mani- 
fested in  those  parts,  at  this  time,  on  the  subject  of  colonization — 
an  interest  amounting  now  to  a  degree  of  generous  enthusiasm 
— an  interest  that  was  verified  by  corresponding  action  and 
liberality.  Farewell  meetings  with  the  colonists  were  attended 
sometimes  to  overflowing,  by  the  most  respectable  audiences, 
and  when  at  the  last  a  parting  hymn  was  sung,  and  an  agent 
of  the  society  attempted  to  speak,  liis  utterance  was  drowned 
by  the  feelings  of  his  audience,  and  the  emigrants  in  silence  and 
in  tears  took  leave  of  the  friends  whom  they  had  served,  and 
by  whom  they  iiad  the  best  evidence  of  knowing  that  they 
were  beloved.  No  more  striking  proof  could  be  desired,  of  the 
gross  injustice  done  to  the  south  by  the  abolitionists  of  the 
north,  than  is  to  be  found  in  the  case  of  the  fitting  out  of  this 
expedition,  by  the  states  of  Mississippi  and  Louisiana,  and  in  its 
attending  circumstances.  Here  was  a  large  company  of  eman- 
cipated slaves,  freed,  educated,  and  munificently  equipped  at 
the  sole  expense  of  their  masters,  and  we  see  them  leaving 
these  masters,  affected  to  such  a  degree  by  the  memory  of  their 
kindness,  that  their  emotions  could  only  find  utterance  in  their 
tears.  And  they  left  a  much  larger  number  than  themselves 
in  those  States,  who,  out  of  the  same  spirit  of  piety  and  love, 
were  under  a  similar  course  of  training  for  emancipation,  and 
Liberia.  One  gentleman  in  the  vicinity  of  New  Orleans,  was 
educating  one  hundred  and  fifty  slaves  for  the  colony,  and  all 
of  suflicient  age  were  able  to  read  fluently  at  the  time  of  this 
expedition.  And  another,  Mr.  E.  B.  Randolph,  had  given  free- 
dom to  twenty  slaves,  and  sold  his  land  to  give  them  education. 
In  the  preceding  chapter,  was  noticed  the  conclusion  of  an 
arrangement  with  the  Navy  Department  for  restoring  to  their 
native  country  a  number  of  recaptured  Africans,  who  had  been 
placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  government  by  the  judgment  of 
one  of  the  federal  courts.  Of  those  unfortunate  persons,  thirty- 
seven  were  delivered  to  the  society's  agent  at  New  Orleans 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  493 

and,  together  with  eight  manumitted  slaves  of  William  H.  Ire- 
land, deceased,  sailed  at  the  close  of  May,  the  present  year,  in 
the  brigantine  Louisiana,  Captain  Williams,  amj)ly  provided 
with  supplies.  They  arrived  in  tiie  colony  on  the  9th  of 
August,  in  good  health.  The  emigrants  were  settled  on  lands 
provided  for  them  and  the  recaptured  Africans  at  New  Georgia, 
where  they  found  a  number  of  their  countrymen,  and  some 
acquaintances.  They  were  hailed  by  their  rescued  brethren, 
says  the  Liberia  Herald  for  that  month,  "  with  the  most  extra- 
vagant expressions  of  joy." 

On  the  29th  of  June,  the  ship  Indiana,  Captain  Wood,  sailed 
from  Savannah,  with  sixty-five  emigrants,  for  the  settlement 
formed  at  Bassa  Cove  by  the  united  auxiliary  societies  of  New 
York  and  Pennsylvania.  The  disastrous  circumstances  of  that 
settlement  caused  them  to  sojourn  at  Monrovia,  where  they 
arrived  in  the  month  of  August.  By  the  arrival  of  these  par- 
ties in  such  rapid  succession,  the  simple  natives  appear  to  have 
been  very  much  puzzled.  Imagining,  however,  that  Americans 
were  influenced  to  alter  their  locality  on  the  same  principles 
with  themselves,  they  explained  the  matter  by  saying,  "  Rice 
be  done  for  big  'Merica;"  and  they  hope  they  will  plant  more 
next  year,  or  "black  man  will  no  have  place  for  set  down." 
With  the  Indiana's  company  went  Mr.  Davis  and  his  family. 

These  three  expeditions  comprise  the  whole  number  added 
to  the  colony  during  the  year  1835,  The  return  of  the  vessels 
brought  despatches  from  Dr.  Skinner,  and  letters  from  the  mission- 
aries and  others,  of  the  most  gratifying  nature.  As  it  respects  the 
temperate  habits  of  the  people,  and  their  strict  observance  of 
the  Sabbath  day,  every  body  speaks  in  the  highest  terms.  Cap- 
tain Outerbridge  says  he  did  not  see  an  intoxicated  American 
in  the  place,  that  he  did  not  hear  a  profane  word,  that  a  glass 
of  rum  could  not  be  bought  except  at  the  apothecary's,  and 
that  no  man  in  the  colony,  not  even  a  native,  could  be  hired  for 
"love  or  money"  to  labour  on  the  Sabbath.  Dr.  Skinner  says, 
that  the  general  state  of  morals  in  the  society  is  superior  to  that 
of  most  towns  in  the  States;  that  the  entire  social  aspect  of  the 
people  was  amiable  and  promising  in  the  highest  degree.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Seyes  returned  accounts  to  his  society  here,  which  are 
so  full,  and  yet  so  connected  and  compact,  that  it  is  impossible  to 
make  extracts.  He  went  to  the  colony,  as  every  body  under  the 
false  impressions  of  the  times  went,  expecting  to  find  a  state  of 
42 


494  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

society  tumultuous  almost  to  barbarism,  and  a  state  of  morals 
unprincipled  and  lawless.  Instead  of  which,  he  received  the  most 
grateful  welcome  of  a  people  characterized  by  their  manliness, 
sobriety,  and  hospitality.  He  entered  at  once  into  a  regularly  con- 
stituted state — a  civilized  and  educated  society,containing  men  of 
cultivated  minds,  conversable  men,  already  bearing  the  impress 
of  a  peculiar  and  dignified  nationality.  He  found  himself  in  an 
atmosphere  where  he  felt  that  the  genius  of  law  and  order  was 
prevalent  as  in  the  land  he  had  left.  Mr.  Seyes  declares,  almost 
in  the  very  same  words  which  our  quotations  from  many  other 
sources  have  caused  us  only  to  reiterate,  "that  in  five  months' 
intercourse,  at  all  times,  and  with  all  classes,  he  had  not  heard 
a  profane  word,  or  seen  an  intoxicated  person  in  the  colony." 
The  African  Repository,  of  this  year,  also  contains  a  number 
of  well  written  letters  from  old  inhabitants  of  the  place  to  their 
friends  here.  They  are  calm,  serious,  and  real  productions, 
composed  in  an  earnest  spirit,  having  a  liighly  moral,  and, 
generally,  a  deeply  religious  character.  No  one  of  them  speaks 
as  though  the  notion  of  removing  back  to  this  country  had  ever 
entered  the  writer's  thoughts.  They  speak  like  men  writing 
from  home.  It  is  quite  amusing  to  notice  the  manner  in  which 
they  received  the  information,  through  abolition  papers,  of  the 
miseries  of  their  colonial  situation.  The  reply  of  the  Liberia 
Herald  to  these  publications  is  very  serious  and  pungent. 
It  earnestly  entreats  the  abolitionists  to  '"'let  them  alone." 
After  a  pathetic  strain  of  entreaty  to  this  effect,  and  rebuking 
the  preposterousness  and  falsehood  of  their  course,  the  editor 
thus  concludes:  "And  yet  these  men  wish  to  denominate  them- 
selves friends  to  the  coloured  man.  How  they  can  justify  them- 
selves before  God  or  man,  in  their  opposition  to,  and  abuse  of, 
this  colony,  we  cannot  conceive.  We  are  at  a  loss  also  from 
what  motive  they  act.  No  one  can  believe  they  are  actuated 
by  a  principle  of  love  for  the  man  of  colour.  Though  this  is 
the  principle  they  avow,  their  invariable  and  untiring  conduct 
is  directly  the  opposite  of  that  which  we  would  suppose  would 
result  from  such  a  principle.  But  they  say,  we  are  unhappy, 
and  poor,  and  miserable  in  Liberia;  and  they  only  wish  to  call 
lis  back  where  we  may  be  happy,  and  rich,  and  comfortable. 
But  we  say,  we  are  not;  and,  as  we  are  the  more  immediately 
concerned,  we  ought  at  least  to  be  allowed  to  determine.  We 
declare  that  we  believe  we  are  as  happy  as  our  calumniators. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  ^495 

Riches  we  refer  to  the  great  Donor  of  all  mercies,  who  dispenses 
this  blessing  as  it  pleases  him;  and  as  to  misery,  we  are  not  one 
half  as  miserable  as  we  were  before  we  left  America.  We  do 
not  pretend  there  is  no  poverty  or  unhappiness  in  the  colony; 
we  acknowledge  there  is.  But  until  there  is  none  in  the  United 
States,  our  enemies  ought  to  be  silent  on  this  subject." 

In  the  year  1S30,  Captain  W.  E.  Sherman,  an  experienced 
and  pious  ship-master,  had  published  a  letter  on  the  state  of  the 
colony,  in  which  he  takes  notice  of  the  salutary  influence  of  the 
colony  over  the  native  tribes.  This  part  of  his  letter  was,  in 
the  present  year,  publicly  contradicted  in  the  famous  "exami- 
nation" of  Thomas  Brown,  a  wretched  creature,  who  had  been 
for  a  season  in  Liberia,  and  was  now  in  the  employ  of  the  Abo- 
lition Society.  In  reference  to  this  portion  of  his  examination, 
the  editor  of  the  Liberia  Herald  observes:  "We  are  sorry  to 
find  Mr.  Brown  so  ignorant  on  every  subject,  upon  which  the 
least  true  information  would  throw  the  scales  in  favour  of  the 
colony.  It  is  a  well  known  fact,  that  almost  all  the  tribes 
around  here  have  thrown  themselves  under  the  protection  of 
the  colony,  and  if  any  man  doubts  our  assertion,  we  have  only 
to  refer  to  the  official  records,  where  the  names  of  the  parties 
are  given.  It  is  also  a  well  known  fact,  that  whenever  Boat- 
swain brings  war  on  them,  (this  Boatswain  was  the  most  power- 
ful and  tyrannical  king  among  the  tribes,  and  stood  in  awe  of 
nothing  but  the  colony,)  they  are  sure  to  flee  within  our  terri- 
tory for  protection,  never  considering  themselves  secure  a  mo- 
ment out  of  it,  till  peace  has  been  restored. 

"The  following  will  show  the  names  of  such  kings  and  head- 
men, all  we  remember  at  present,  as  being  under  the  protec- 
tion of  our  laws,  and  subject  to  their  jurisdiction: 

King  Gray,  and  people. 
"     Short  Peter,  and  people. 
"     Bob,  and  people. 
"'     Willey,  and  people. 
"     Brister,  and  people. 
"     Peter,  and  people. 

Mary  McKinzie,  and  people. 

Farga,  and  people  of  the  District  of  the  Dey  country. 

Prince  Will,  and  people  of  Junk. 

Bob  Grey,  and  people  of  Grand  Bassa." 
Numerous  slave  factories  had  been  broken  up,  and  the  ac- 


496  r  HISTORT    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

cursed  trade  driven  from  a  region  of  coast  extending,  by  the 
inclusion  of  Sierra  Leone,  over  a  space  of  five  hundred  miles 
in  length.  "Liberia,"  says  the  editor  of  the  Liberia  Herald, 
"is  a  standing  evidence,  that  slavers  cannot  breathe  in  a  moral 
atmosphere.  Their  detestable  traffic  shuns  the  abodes  of  fair 
and  legitimate  trade,  and  one  colony,  established  on  the  princi- 
ples of  temperance  and  peace,  sustaining  in  their  purity  the 
moral  and  religious  institutions  of  the  mother  country,  is  worth 
a  dozen  scores  of  men  of  war."  In  this  connexion,  we  shall 
quote  from  a  letter  of  Mr.  Wyncoop  to  the  editor  of  the  New 
York  Evangelist,  dated  Princeton,  April  6,  1S35:  "About  a 
3^ear  since,  I  explored  the  western  coast  from  Grand  Cape 
Mount  to  Cape  Palmas,  for  the  purpose  of  learning  the  most 
favourable  points  for  the  establishment  of  missions.  I  availed 
myself  of  every  opportunity  of  ascertaining  the  condition  of  the 
colonies,  their  extent,  &c.  1  learned  the  following  facts  touching 
the  slave  trade — they  are  unquestionably  true.  The  river  Gal- 
linas  is  the  most  extensive  slave  mart  on  the  western  coast.  It 
is  not  within  the  limits  of  Liberia. 

"Grand  Cape  Mount  was  for  many  years  an  extensive  slave 
mart.  About  two  months  previous  to  my  visit,  the  natives  had 
"resolved  to  abandon  the  slave  trade  for  ever.  They  were  led  to 
take  this  noble  step,  partly  by  their  own  convictions,  and  partly 
by  the  persuasions  of  the  governor  and  citizens  of  Monrovia. 

"Cape  Mesurado  was  a  slave  mart  at  the  time  it  was  pur- 
chased by  the  agents  of  the  Colonization  Society.  The  esta- 
blishment of  the  colony  broke  up  the  slave  trade  entirely. 

"Little  Bassa  was  a  slave  mart  up  to  January,  1834.  Two 
tribes,  the  Fishmen  and  Kroomen,  combined  their  forces,  de- 
molished the  factory,  and  drove  olf  the  traders.  This  place  is 
between  Monrovia  and  Grand  Bassa.  It  is  still  owned  by  the 
natives. 

"Grand  Bassa  was  a  slave  mart.  There  were  two  factories, 
one  on  each  side  of  the  river.  The  first  was  destroyed  when 
the  American  Colonization  Society  obtained  ihe  north-western 
section,  and  the  other  when  the  Young  Men's  Society,  by  their 
agent,  purchased  the  south-western  section. 

"  It  was  thought  by  some  that  Young  Sesters  was  a  slave 
mart,  but  no  evidence  of  it  could  be  obtained.  The  slave  trade 
has  never  been  tolerated  between  Young  Sesters  and  Cape  Pal- 
mas, and  for  some  distance  beyond.     If  there  is  no  slave  mart 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  497 

at  Young  Sesters,  then  indeed  colonization  has  been  the  means 
of  destroying  that  cursed  traffic  from  Cape  Mount  to  Trade 
Town." 

The  colony  had  now  begun  to  feel  the  strength  of  their  own 
resources.  A  generous  spirit  of  self-reliance,  and  independence 
of  the  Board  had  become  prevalent.  They  took  a  more  active 
part  in  their  own  legislation — a  new  colonial  court  was 
established — the  debates  in  the  colonial  council  are  those  of  a 
manly  and  thoughtful  eloquence  and  wisdom — the  action  of 
this  council,  on  the  reception  of  the  news  of  the  Bassa  Cove 
massacre,  was  as  prompt,  energetic,  calm  and  parliamentary,  as 
the  example  of  the  best  consulting  bodies  could  furnish.  They 
were  putting  up  public  offices,  and  a  stone  light-house,  to  be  at 
an  elevation  of  two  hundred  and  eighty  feet  from  the  sea,  and 
were  opening  public  roads,  and  had  launched  a  new  large 
schooner,  at  their  own  expense.  The  business  of  agriculture, 
and  the  introduction  of  domestic  animals,  were  occupying  gene- 
ral attention.  During  the  year  1S35  more  than  double  an 
amount  of  agricultural  produce  had  been  brought  to  market, 
than  ever  in  any  previous  year.  The  new  Georgia  and  Cald- 
well settlements  took  the  lead  in  this  reformation.  Working 
animals,  oxen,  &c.,  were  introduced  into  the  colony  from  Bassa, 
Cape  de  Verd  Islands,  and  other  places.  By  a  resolution  of  the 
Colonial  Council,  corporate  powers  were  this  year  bestowed 
upon  each  of  the  settlements.  Liberia  had  by  this  time  pro- 
gressed to  such  a  degree  of  civil  establishment,  that  had  the 
people  left  the  colony  in  1S35,  they  would  have  left  a  city 
whose  roads,  and  wharves,  and  stores  would  have  remained 
for  ages  as  memorials  of  a  people  of  wonderful  enterprise,  and 
of  a  most  respectable  national  power. 

Several  new  schools  were  commenced  in  the  colony  and 
neighbourhood,  this  year.  Those  already  established  and  sup- 
plied with  teachers  by  the  ladies  of  Richmond  and  Philadelphia, 
and  by  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States, 
continued  prosperous.  Two  hundred  and  fifty-five  children  of 
the  colonists  were  receiving  regular  and  competent  instruction 
in  these  schools.  There  were  now  ten  schools,  besides  Bible 
classes  and  Sunday  schools  in  the  entire  colony.  But  notwith- 
standing these  encouraging  particulars,  the  Board  felt  that  the 
colonial  schools  were  greatly  inadequate  to  the  wants  of  the 
citizens.  And  in  their  last  report  they  do  earnestly  appeal  to 
42* 


498  HISTOKT    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  friends  of  colonization,  in  this  behalf.  The  principle  de- 
sideratum was  a  greater  nvmiber  of  well  qualified  teachers. 

About  three  years  previous  to  this  time  an  institution  was 
formed  in  JNIaryland,  under  the  auspices  of  that  pious  and  gifted 
lady.  Miss  Margaret  Mercer — a  bright  name  in  the  annals  of 
Christian  charity.  This  society  had  now  collected  thirteen  hun- 
dred dollars  towards  a  fund  to  be  appropriated  for  the  mainte- 
nance, clothing,  and  instruction  of  two  young  men,  colonists 
from  Liberia,  at  the  University  of  Glasgow,  in  Scotland,  on 
condition  that  after  completing  their  education  they  should  return 
to  the  colony  as  teachers,  or  physicians.  The  determination  to 
educate  them  in  Scotland,  was  formed  after  a  correspondence 
which  Miss  Mercer  had  opened  with  Mr,  John  Ross,  a  distin- 
guished gentleman  of  that  country.  The  colonial  agent  was 
accordingly  directed  to  select  the  two  most  promising  boys  in 
Liberia,  between  the  ages  of  ten  and  fourteen  years,  and  to 
send  them  immediately  to  Glasgow.  Mr.  Ross  was  appointed 
their  guardian.  This  benevolent  institution  is  called,  in  memory 
of  the  place  of  its  origin,  the  "  Cedar  Park  Liberian  Education 
Society." 

As  it  respects  the  subject  of  education  among  the  natives  at 
this  time,  we  have  the  following  account  from  the  Liberia 
Herald.  "  We  feel  proud  to  notice  the  commencement  of  a 
new  school  for  the  tuition  of  the  natives,  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tit- 
tier,  (they  were  coloured  persons,)  under  the  patronage  of  the 
Western  Board  of  Foreign  Missions.  This  school  is  established 
on  the  Junk  river,  about  midway  between  this  place  and  that. 
The  account  Mr.  Tittler  gave  of  the  extreme  anxiety  evinced 
by  the  natives  for  the  instruction  of  their  children,  is  truly  gra- 
tifying. In  the  council  that  was  called  when  the  subject  was 
first  proposed  to  them,  not  only  a  general  approbation  was  ex- 
pressed, but  the  most  solemn  assurance  given,  on  the  part  of  the 
head  men,  that  every  thing  should  be  done  to  facilitate  the 
object:  and  in  testimony  thereof,  they  immediately  pledged 
themselves  to  furnish  as  much  rice  and  other  necessary  provi- 
sions, as  would  be  sufficient  for  the  school.  As  the  farming 
season  is  at  hand,  they  furnished  Mr.  Tittler  with  a  large 
house,  hitherto  used  for  domestic  purposes,  promising  that  as 
soon  as  they  finish  cutting  their  farms,  they  will  furnish  a  new 
one.     They  have  also  put  some  of  their  female  children  under 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION.  499 

the  care  of  Mrs.  Tittler,  to  learn,  as  they  call  it,  'White  man 
fash.'" 

The  native  kings  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Cape  Mount,  were 
engaged  in  a  bloody  war,  carried  on  with  more  than  ordinary 
ferocity;  and  King  Boatswain  was  at  war  with  several  of  the 
more  interior  nations,  who  had  leagued  together  to  resist  this 
tyrant  and  prince  of  slave-dealers.  Commissioners  were  sent  out 
by  the  colonial  Council  to  mediate  a  peace.  They  were  well 
received,  but  unsuccessful  in  the  first  instance,  when  they  were 
reappointed  with  the  addition  of  Mr.  Finley,  and  on  a  second 
mission  effected  a  cessation  of  hostilities.  They  penetrated  far 
into  the  interior,  and  the  result  of  their  mission  and  of  their 
journey  of  inspection,  was  published  at  large  in  this  country. 
The  following  extract  from  a  message  of  Governor  Pinnej'',  in 
this  connexion,  as  illustrative  of  African  speech-making,  is  in- 
teresting. "  Nearly  fifty  natives  with  their  long  robes  were 
around,  at  our  first  interview.  Zingby,  the  chief  warrior  arose, 
and  with  the  interpreter  approached  near  me,  and  plead  his 
master's  claim  to  our  friendship.  The  words  of  the  interpreter 
were  written  down  at  the  time,  as  follows: — Zingby  say, '  Hear 
him  now;  He  speak  King  Boatswain's  word.  King  Boatswain 
send  him.  You  and  King  Boatswain  be  friends.  King  Boat- 
swain send  him  book  for  you.*  When  you  look  him  (i.  e. 
Zingby  with  the  token)  you  look  King  Boatswain.  He  say  him 
fight  war.  He  say  Goolah  people  fight  him  for  America  peo- 
ple palaver.  Him  cut  path  and  Goolah  people  make  war,  so 
path  be  stopped,  and  American  man  no  get  bullock.  All  ivory 
and  bullock  come  from  King  Boatswain.  Goolah  no  have  too 
much.  That  way  (therefore)  Goolah  people  make  path  close. 
All  America  belong  to  King  Boatswain,  and  King  Boatswain  he 
belong  to  America  people,  (i.  e.  there  is  a  mutuality.)  I  be 
King  Boatswain  boy-true — no  more.  I  be  head  war  man  for 
King  Boatswain.  Let  all  America  live  in  my  hand.  I  cut 
path — Goolah  no  be  able  to  keep  path  close.  King  Boatswain 
say  that  white  cloth  be  him  heart.  This  war  belong  to  America 
people's  palaver.  Goolah  man  no  look  (own)  bullocks  and 
ivory  like  King  Boatswain's  man.  They  fight  cause  King  Boat- 
swain send  goods  here.  Zingby  come  tell  you  him  (i,  e.  King 
Boatswain)  fight  war  this  time,' 

*  This  book  was  a  token ;  a  silver  manilla  with  his  name  upon  it. 


500  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

"Here  there  was  considerable  hesitation,  as  if  he  was  uncer- 
tain whether  to  proceed  any  farther.  The  whole  of  the  pre- 
ceding part  had  been  no  uningenious  introduction  to  the  main 
object — a  request  for  powder  and  a  large  gun.  The  effort  had 
been  to  work  upon  our  pride  and  cupidity,  to  lead  us  to  assist 
in  fighting  the  Goolahs.     He  proceeded: 

" '  King  Boatswain  say  come  back  quick.  Let  Governor  send 
him  book.  If  Governor  send  a  book,  no  make  war.  King  Boat- 
swain set  down,  only  he  no  want  Goolah  man  trouble  Cape, 
and  close  the  path.  Interpreter,  my  name  be  Kili.  I  be  him 
boy.  I  live  in  your  hand  till  Zingby  carry  book.  (I  had  then 
sent  the  commissioners  the  first  time,  though  unsuccessfully; 
they  had  gone  a  second  time.)  Zingby  come  quick  and  bring 
money — let  the  news  about  the  commissioners  live  in  the  book. 
(Hesitatingly.)  King  Boatswain  want  big  gun.  He  say  Goolah 
people  make  Condo  man  run,  cause  he  have  little  big  gun.' 

"As  our  policy  and  Christian  character  unite  in  requiring 
peace,  I  refused  the  gun,  but  sent  presents  and  urged  peace."* 

This  year  the  fifth  Baptist  church  in  the  colony,  was  formed 
at  Caldwell,  and  the  first  annual  meeting  of  the  Liberia  Baptist 
Association  held  at  Monrovia,  in  October,  which  was  a  joyful 
and  profitable  season.  Quarterly  and  protracted  meetings  were 
held  in  the  fall,  by  the  Methodist  churches,  which  were  greatly 
blessed;  and  there  were  revivals  of  religion  in  nearly  all  the 
settlements.  A  coloured  teacher,  writing  about  this  time,  from 
the  colony,  and  evidently  after  having  seized  such  a  view 
of  the  true  nature  of  colonization  in  Africa,  that  it  had  inspired 
him  with  that  kind  of  confidence  which  grows  only  out  of 
absolute  faith,  exclaims,  "  The  time  has  commenced,  for  the 
regeneration  of  Africa.  Those  who  are  opposed  to  Africa, 
may  as  well  undertake  to  stop  the  sun  from  rising,  as  to  under- 
take to  prevent  the  gospel  from  spreading  throughout  Africa. 
Civilization  will  dilate  itself  to  the  last  green  verge  of  this  land." 
Who,  upon  reading  this  extract,  and  others  from  the  produc- 
tions of  the  colonists,  to  be  found  in  this  chapter,  would  imagine 
them  to  have  been  penned  by  men  who  were  but  a  short  time 
since  precisely  on  a  level  with  the  great  class  of  black  men  that 
are  among  us  now?     Nor  have  their  words,  in  any  instance, 

*  Poor  fellow,  he  was  killed  about  two  weeks  after,  in  an  attempt  to  scale  a 
barricade  of  t!ie  Goolahs. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  501 

been  quoted  merely  as  samples  of  their  style.  Passages  might 
have  been  selected  from  the  colonial  paper  and  other  sources, 
that,  for  graphic  eloquence  of  description,  we  feel  to  be  equal 
to  all  praise.  But  there  is  in  all  they  utter,  a  manliness  of  sen- 
timent, a  dignity  of  purport,  and  a  precision  of  rhetoric,  so 
remarkable  as  to  be  difficult  clearly  to  account  for.  Doubtless 
the  actual  knowledge  of  the  writers,  and  their  cordial  earnest- 
ness in  their  work,  give  them  a  peculiar  power  of  expression — 
but  we  cannot  help  feeling  in  the  perusal  of  their  records,  that 
Liberia  has  done  something  for  these  men,  which  we,  at  a  dis- 
tance, are  not  entirely  able  to  render  intelligible  to  our  own 
inquiries. 

The  medical  wants  of  the  colony  continued  to  be  well  min- 
istered by  Dr.  Skinner,  Dr.  McDowall,  and  a  colonist  who  had 
recently  commenced  the  practice  of  medicine.  It  was  their 
misfortune  to  lose  the  aid  of  Charles  H.  Webb,  the  coloured 
medical  student  who  emigrated  to  the  colony  the  previous  sum- 
mer. In  the  following  autumn  this  promising  young  man  fell 
a  victim  to  the  local  fever,  aggravated  by  some  imprudence  on 
his  part,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  years.  The  following  is  an 
extract  from  his  obituary  in  the  Liberia  Herald.  "Ardently 
attached  to  the  profession  of  medicine,  he  quitted  his  attendance 
on  the  lectures  at  Washington,  that  he  might  be  enabled  to  de- 
rive an  acquaintance  with  the  diseases  of  Africa,  and  be  the 
better  qualified  to  graduate  with  honour  to  himself,  and  advan- 
tage to  his  fellow  beings.  Since  his  arrival,  his  exertions  have 
been  unceasing  in  attendance  on  the  sick,  and  his  fatal  illness 
may  be  attributed  to  the  zeal  and  devotion  which  he  uniformly 
exhibited  in  the  discharge  of  duty."  William  Taylor,  an  intel- 
ligent young  man  of  colour,  was  at  this  time,  through  the  libe- 
rality of  Miss  Mercer,  under  the  care  of  the  Board,  pursuing 
medical  studies  at  the  University  in  Washington.  Dr.  Todsen, 
whose  professional  skill  had  been  often  advantageously  exerted 
in  the  colony,  returned  to  the  United  States  in  the  brig  Bourne, 
in  April  of  this  year. 

At  no  period  of  its  history  has  the  feeling  of  attachment  to 
the  cause  been  so  general  and  enthusiastic,  in  this  country,  as 
at  the  present.  The  genial  truths  of  the  principles  of  the  society, 
elicited  and  provoked  by  the  antagonisms  of  the  times,  being 
now  generally  disseminated,  became  the  seedlings  of  auxiliaries 
that  sprung  up  in  every  direction  over  the  country.     "It  would 


502  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

have  (lone  your  heart  good,"  says  a  gentleman  attending  the 
formation  of  the  North  Carolina  State  Society,  "to  have  heard 
the  cause  advocated  as  it  was,  on  the  ground  of  its  bearing  on 
the  final  removing  of  slavery  from  among  us."  At  the  anni- 
versary of  the  New  York  State  Society  in  the  month  of  May, 
so  profound  was  the  enthusiasm  of  the  people  that  they  ad- 
journed three  several  times,  with  overflowing  houses,  and  at 
last  refused  an  adjournment  till  actnal  midnight,  so  eager  was 
the  desire  of  knowledge,  and  so  craving  was  the  sympathy  of 
the  people. 

The  history  of  colonization  during  the  past  year,  is  a  practi- 
cal illustration  of  what  that  wise  and  good  man  Jeremiah  Hub- 
bard once  said.  "  The  direct  and  incidental  efljects  of  coloni- 
zation are  not  limited  to  a  qnalified  benefit  to  the  free  blacks 
alone,  but  comprehend  in  their  wide  range,  the  cause  of  eman- 
cipation, the  extinction  of  the  slave  trade,  and  the  civilization 
of  Africa."  And  to  this  enunciation  we  will  add,  what  in 
another  connexion  we  have  already  said,  that  the  Colonization 
Society  in  the  United  States  is  the  best  expression,  and  promises 
to  be  the  only  apparent  security,  of  a  lasting  national  conserva- 
tism in  oar  union. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

COLONIZATION,  AND  THE  COLONY  IN  1836. 

Three  important  expeditions  were  sent  to  the  colony  dnring 
the  year  1836,  by  the  parent  society  and  two  of  its  auxiliaries. 
The  brig  Luna,  captain  Bears,  having  on  board  eighty  emi- 
grants, and  two  recaptured  African  children  under  the  care  of 
the  United  States  government,  with  liberal  supplies  of  provis- 
ions, agricultural  implements,  and  trade  goods,  sailed  from  Nor- 
folk, Virginia,  on  the  third  of  March,  and  completed  her  voyage 
on  the  seventh  of  April.  Of  these  emigrants  forty-four  were 
manumitted,  on  the  condition  of  colonization,  by  the  will  of  the 
late  general  Blackburn  of  Staunton,  Virginia;  seven  by  the  late 
Rev.  John  Ailemongj  and  five  by  the  late  Mrs.  Washington,  of 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  503 

Frederick  county,  Virginia  ;  while  four  were  emancipated  by  the 
Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews  of  Frederick  county;  six  by  the  late  Jedi- 
diah  Atkinson  of  Petersburg ;  seven  by  Thomas  S.  King,  Esq. 
of  Portsmouth  ;  one  by  Mr.  Davidson  of  Charlotte  county  ;  one 
by  Mr.  S.  0.  Moore  of  Albemarle;  and  two  by  Mr.  A.  McNeill 
of  Mecklenburg,  North  Carolina.  Several  others  were  free 
persons  of  colour  from  Norfolk.  A  number  that  were  expected 
from  the  same  State  failed  to  embark  at  this  time. 

Most  of  the  Luna's  company  were  young  men,  several  of 
them  preachers  of  the  gospel,  and  one  a  minister  and  missionary 
of  the  Methodist  church,  the  Rev.  Beverly  R.  Wilson,  spoken 
of  in  the  last  chapter,  as  having,  after  a  visit  and  examination 
of  the  colony,  during  fourteen  months,  returned  to  the  United 
States  for  the  purpose  of  concluding  a  final  settlement  of  his 
affairs  in  Virginia,  and  removing  with  his  entire  family  to  Li- 
beria. His  statements  concerning  the  colony  made  in  sundry 
places  and  before  large  audiences,  in  the  northern  and  middle 
States,  convinced  many  that  the  scheme  of  African  colonization 
merited  their  decided  and  earnest  support. 

The  schooner  Swift  left  New  Orleans  on  the  twenty-eighth  of 
April,  with  forty-three  emigrants,  recently  emancipated,  mostly 
from  the  state  of  Mississippi,  and  arrived  at  Monrovia  on  the 
seventh  of  July.  Among  these  were  twenty  slaves  liberated 
for  colonization  by  Edward  B.  Randolph,  of  Lowndes  county^ 
Mississippi.  The  expenses  of  this  expedition  were  paid  by  the 
Mississippi  Colonization  Society,  assisted  by  an  advance  of 
twenty-five  hundred  dollars,  by  the  liberal  executor  of  the  estate 
of  the  late  James  Green,  by  whose  will  provision  was  made  for 
the  manumission  of  a  part  of  his  slaves,  and  the  application  of 
a  generous  portion  of  his  large  estate,  to  aid  the  object  of  the 
society.  A  majority  of  the  emigrants  were  young,  accustomed 
to  labour  on  plantations  at  the  south,  and  well  furnished  with 
implements  and  stores  necessary  to  a  comfortable  settlement,  and 
the  successful  cultivation  of  the  soil,  in  the  colony.  They  sus- 
tained a  good  character  for  intelligence,  industry,  and  morality, 
several  of  them  adorning,  by  their  lives,  the  profession  of  the 
Christian  faith,  and  all  inclined  before  their  departure  to  organize 
themselves  into  a  temperance  society,  on  the  principle  of  total 
abstinence  from  ardent  spirits. 

The  emigrants  by  the  Luna  were  landed  at  Monrovia,  but 
subsequently  removed  to  a  new  settlement  on  the  Junk  river, 
called  Marshall,  after  the  late  chief  justice  of  the  United  States. 


604  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

In  consequence  of  the  untimely  arrival  of  these  emigrants  on 
the  coast,  or  from  some  other  circumstances  which  our  know- 
ledge of  the  African  fevers  does  not  enable  us  to  distinguish, 
several  of  these  emigrants  fell  victims  to  the  climate.  Yet  it  is 
remarkable  that  out  of  sixty-two  emigrants  that  arrived  about 
the  same  time  in  the  preceding  year,  only  three  died,  and  they 
were  small  boys  "  who  could  not  be  kept  from  running  out  in 
the  sun  and  rain." 

The  company  by  the  Swift  proceeded  at  once  to  Millsburg, 
about  twenty  miles  from  the  coast,  on  the  river  St.  Paul's,  a  set- 
tlement enjoyhig  great  advantages  for  health  and  agricultural 
pursuits. 

The  Brig  Luna,  Captain  Hallet,  with  eighty-four  emigrants, 
fifty  of  whom  were  slaves  recently  liberated  in  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee,  on  condition  of  colonizing,  sailed  from  New  York 
on  the  5th  of  July,  and  arrived  at  Monrovia  on  the  19th  of  Au- 
gust.    This  expedition  was  fitted  out  under  the  direction  of  the 
Auxiliary  Colonization  Society  of  New  York  city.  The  company 
proceeded  immediately  to  the  settlement  at  Bassa  Cove.     Nearly 
all  of  these  colonists  were  members  of  temperance  societies, 
most  of  them  professors  of  religion,  and  many  of  them  ministers 
of  the  gospel.     Among  the  latter,  were  the  Rev.  Mr.  Anderson, 
a  Baptist  minister;  Mr.  Priest,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church;  and 
Mr.  Jones,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.     In  the  number 
of  this  company  were  also  a  Mr.  Hayne,  his  wife,  and  four  or 
five  children,  boys  and  girls.     This  family  were  of  more  than 
common  respectabihty,  in  good  circumstances  as  to  property, 
and  had  long  been  free,  in  Georgia.     They  were  objects  of 
peculiar  interest  to  the  numerous  friends  of  the  emigrants,  who 
visited   them   at   and  before   their   embarkation.     A  farewell 
meeting  was  held  with  these  emigrants  by  the  citizens  of  New 
York   and  otiiers,  at  the  quarantine   ground,   Staten   Island. 
When  about  to  embark,  in  reply  to  an  address  from  the  vener- 
able and  lamented  Dr.  Proudfit,  and  the  encouraging  remarks 
of  other  friends  of  the  cause,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Herring,  a  coloured 
Methodist  Missionary,  who  accompanied  the  expedition,  re- 
sponded in  behalf  of  the  colonists  in  a  very  pertinent  and 
impressive    manner.      He   declared  himself  indebted   to    the 
Colonization  Society  for  his  personal  freedom,  having   been 
manumitted  for  the  purpose  of  going  to  Liberia  by  his  liumane 
master  in  Virginia.     He  had  been  to  the  colony,  and  after 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  505 

making  his  observations,  and  labouring  for  a  time  as  a  preacher 
of  the  gospel,  both  among  the  colonists  and  the  natives,  had 
returned  to  the  United  States  to  improve  his  education,  and 
qualify  himself  for  more  extensive  usefulness.  Having  for  two 
years  previous  pursued  his  studies  at  the  Wesleyan  Academy 
in  Wilbraham,  Massachusetts,  and  in  other  parts  of  New  Eng- 
land, he  was  about  to  return  and  spend  his  life  in  the  colony, 
proclaiming  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ  on  the  shores  of 
Africa.  He  expressed  his  heartfelt  gratitude  for  the  kindness 
and  sympathy  he  had  experienced,  and  especially  for  the  in- 
terest then  manifested  in  the  welfare  of  those  with  whom  he 
was  about  to  take  his  departure,  and  in  conclusion  offered  a 
fervent  address  to  the  throne  of  Grace,  which  (remarks  one 
who  was  present)  "melted  all  hearts  and  gave  evidence  of  Iiis 
high  qualifications  for  usefulness  in  the  field  to  which  he  is  de- 
voted." Says  the  same  person,  "  the  touching  incidents  con- 
nected with  the  parting  scene  with  this  band  of  emigrants,  will 
not  soon  be  erased  from  the  memory  of  any  who  were  present, 
and  the  earnest  request  for  the  prayers  of  the  pious,  which  they 
urged  through  Mr.  Herring,  ought  not  to  be  forgotten  or  un- 
heeded." 

Mr.  James  B.  Herron,  a  citizen  of  Nicholasville,  Kentucky, 
much  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  people  of  colour,  and  the 
success  of  their  colonies  in  Africa,  took  passage  in  the  Luna, 
resolved,  even  without  compensation,  to  visit  and  examine  for 
himself  the  condition  and  prospects  of  those  settlements. 

The  full  intention  of  this  expedition  was  obstructed  by  a 
painful  circumstance,  which  is  best  told  in  the  following  letter 
of  Mr.  McElroy,  to  a  gentleman  of  Pittsburgh.  "  This  morning 
I  arrived  in  your  city  with  sixty-five  emigrants,  destined  to 
Bassa  Cove,  West  Africa.  Fifty  of  them  were  recently  liberated 
slaves,  liberated  only,  however,  upon  condition  that  they  would 
emigrate  to  Liberia.  To  get  these  men,  women,  and  children, 
rescued  from  slavery,  I  have  laboured  night  and  day  for  weeks 
past,  with  the  threats  of  certain  legatees  hanging  over  me,  and 
their  fiercest  opposition  resting  upon  me.  Yet,  with  the  gener- 
ous aid  and  countenance  of  some  true  friends  of  the  coloured 
man  and  of  freedom,  I  succeeded  in  collecting  the  above  num- 
ber from  the  two  states  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  and  thus 
rescuing  them  from  coming  bondage.  And  now,  sir,  it  be- 
43 


506  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

comes  my  painful  duty  to  announce  to  the  public,  that  while 
engaged  a  few  hours  with  some  of  the  clergy  of  the  city,  in 
soliciting  contributions  of  various  articles  of  food,  clothing,  &c., 
to  sustain  the  expedition  till  we  should  arrive  at  New  York, 
certain  white  and  coloured  persons  surrounded  the  emigrants, 
where  they  were  busy  packing  up  their  effects,  and  making 
ready  for  their  hasty  departure,  and  decoyed  away  ten  men, 
women  and  children,  from  tiie  estate  of  Donelson,  and  four 
from  Fisher's,  leaving  a  very  aged  and  infirm  grandmother 
whom  I  had  brought  along  only  to  gratify  her  children.  Known 
and  acknowledged  abolitionists,  white  and  black,  were  busy  in 
this  work  of  (what  shall  I  call  it?)  kidnapping,  or  enslaving.  To 
the  public  I  owe  a  statement  of  facts  in  regard  to  those  persons 
thus  decoyed.  In  regard  to  the  Donelson  people,  before  they 
could  be  delivered  into  my  hands,  or  sent  from  the  estate,  cer- 
tain gentlemen  had  to  sign  a  bond  in  a  penalty  of  five  thousand 
dollars,  that  they  should  go  to  Liberia;  this  bond  is  filed  in 
court.  In  respect  to  Fisher's,  their  owner  entered  his  own 
bond  under  a  penalty  of  three  thousand  dollars.  This  money 
is  liable  to  collection,  and  doubtless  will  be  demanded  as  soon 
as  this  intelligence  reaches  Nashville.  And  further,  I  have  in 
my  possession  a  draft  for  eight  hundred  dollars,  to  be  divided 
among  the  Donelson  emigrants,  not  a  dollar  of  which  can  be 
drawn  until  I  certify,  upon  oath,  that  each  one  has  embarked  for 
Liberia,  on  some  vessel  chartered  for  the  purpose.  If  one  should 
refuse  to  go,  the  draft  cannot  be  honoured.  There  is  near  four 
hundred  dollars  left  to  Fisher's  people  in  the  same  way.  But, 
what  further  adds  to  the  malignity  of  this  outrage,  these  peo- 
ple, who  are  thus  led  off  by  those  so  reckless  of  what  they 
are  doing,  are  free  only  on  condition  that  they  emigrate  to  Li- 
beria. They  have  refused,  and  now  it  becomes  my  painful 
duty,  my  sworn  duty,  to  write  the  heirs  that  they  may  come 
and  demand  them.  It  is  to  me  painful  because  I  have  every 
reason  to  believe  they  will  ferret  them  out.  They  assured  me 
they  would  even  at  the  expense  of  ten  thousand  dollars.  Thus, 
while  I  and  others  have  laboured  for  weeks  to  rescue  them 
from  slavery,  in  a  few  hours  a  mingled  crowd  of  white  and 
black,  have  rendered  them  liable  to  bondage  as  perpetual  as  it 
may  be  hopeless  and  cruel." 

The  above  is  not  by  any  means  the  only  instance  in  which 


HISTOnr    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  507 

the  abolitionists  succeeded  in  their  efforts  to  frustrate  the  labours 
of  the  society,  at  the  expense  of  decoying  back  into  bondage 
or  a  worse  misery,  the  liberated  slaves  that  were  under  its  care. 
Miss  M.  C.  Moore,  of  Hillsboro,  North  Carolina,  a  most  excel- 
lent and  pious  lady,  from  motives  of  philanthropy  and  at  a 
great  sacrifice,  had  liberated  eight  slaves,  for  the  purpose 
of  colonizing  them  in  Liberia.  They  were  sent  under  the 
special  care  of  a  friend  to  the  city  of  New  York,  and  delivered 
over  to  the  executive  committee  of  the  auxiliary  branch  of  the 
society  in  that  city.  The  ship  being  not  yet  ready  to  sail  for 
Africa,  the  committee  obtained  lodgings  for  the  emigrants  in  a 
respectable  coloured  family  on  Long  Island,  where  they  re- 
mained nearly  three  weeks,  occasionally  visited  by  some  mem- 
bers of  the  committee,  and  corning  at  their  pleasure  to  the  city. 
They  appeared  contented  with  their  situation,  and  cheerful  in 
the  prospect  of  emigrating  to  Africa: — but  on  the  vessel  being 
ready  to  sail,  it  was  found  that  during  the  absence  of  the  coloured 
man  with  whom  they  were  at  board,  they  had  been  decoyed 
from  his  house  and  secreted  from  the  committee.  They  had 
written  to  Miss  Moore,  that  from  the  reports  which  they  had 
heard  of  the  designs  of  the  society,  they  "had  become  dis- 
gusted," and  had  resolved  not  to  embark,  but  would  remain  in 
New  York. 

The  grief  of  this  benevolent  lady,  their  benefactress  and 
former  mistress,  on  receiving  intelligence  of  the  frustration,  in 
one  short  hour,  of  a  design  upon  which  she  had  set  her  heart 
for  many  years,  and  for  the  effecting  of  which  she  had  under- 
gone much  personal  deprivation,  appears  to  have  been  well 
nigh  overwhelming.  The  following  are  some  extracts  from 
a  letter  which  she  addressed  to  them  at  the  time.  "  You  all 
well  knew  that  for  the  last  three  years  I  have  been  struggling 
to  set  you  free,  in  direct  opposition  to  the  advice  and  wishes  of 
many  of  my  friends;  and  when  at  length,  through  the  kind 
assistance  of  my  friend  and  yours,  (Mr.  Taylor,)  I  supposed  my 
object  nearly  accomplished,  you  are  just  going  to  undo  all,  and 
reduce  yourselves  probably  to  a  much  worse  situation  than  that 
from  which  we  have  been  striving  to  deliver  you,  so  that  you 
might  be  free  and  virtuous  and  happy  in  the  native  land  of 
your  forefathers,  the  land  best  suited  to  you,  and  in  which  we 
believe  you  would  be  happier  than  in  any  other  part  of  the 


50S  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

earth.  I  could  not  liberate  yon  in  North  Carolina,  but  said 
'if  you  will  go  to  Liberia,  you  shall  be  free.'  You  all  then 
thankfully  accepted  the  offer,  and  two  of  you  said  you  were 
willing  to  remain  with  me  if  I  could  not  do  vv^ell  without  your 
services.  But  I  told  you  to  go,  that  I  would  rather  labour 
M'ith  my  own  hands  for  a  support  than  to  keep  you  in  slavery. 
You  ask  me,  in  your  letters,  what  I  think  of  the  Colonization 
Society,  my  answer  is,  just  what  I  thought  when  1  took  leave 
of  you  in  Wilmington.  I  do  not  more  firmly  beheve  that  there 
is  a  sun  in  the  firmament  of  heaven,  than  that  the  men  engaged 
in  the  colonization  scheme  are  good  men,  seeking  earnestly  to 
promote  the  best  interests  of  the  coloured  people,  both  in  this 
world  and  in  that  which  is  to  come.  You  say  there  is  'death 
in  the  pot'  in  Africa.  I  tell  you  there  is  a  great  deal  more 
'death  in  the  pot'  in  New  York  and  Canada.  I  know  more 
than  you  do  of  the  climate  of  Canada;  and  if  you  go  there  I 
have  very  little  hope  that  either  Jane,  or  Hannah,  or  yourself, 
will  live  to  see  another  spring.  I  knew  perfectly  well  that  you 
could  be  free  in  New  York  before  you  left  your  own  State; 
and  do  you  suppose  that  I  would  have  made  such  efforts  to 
send  you  to  Africa,  if  I  had  not  known  that  you  would  have 
done  much  better  there?  You  well  know  that  I  have  ever 
been  the  friend  of  the  coloured  people,  and  I  feel  an  increasing 
interest  in  their  welfare;  and  could  I  know  it  to  be  the  will  of 
God,  I  would  not  hesitate  a  naoment  to  leave  my  native  land 
and  all  that  it  holds  dear  to  me,  and  go  to  Africa,  to  spend  the 
remainder  of  my  days  in  labouring  for  their  present,  in  con- 
nexion with  their  eternal  well  being.  If  I  should  ascertain  it 
to  be  my  duty  to  go,  will  you  go  with  me?  Write  as  soon  as 
you  receive  this,  and  answer  this  question." 

Mr.  James  Brown,  a  very  respectable  colonist,  whose  name 
we  have  before  mentioned,  was  this  year  elected  president  of 
the  Town  Council  of  Monrovia,  an  officer  whose  title  and 
duties  are  equivalent  to  those  of  mayor  or  intendant,  in  the 
cities  of  the  United  States.  Mr.  Brown  took  a  special  interest 
in  the  subject  of  agriculture,  and  made  a  series  of  laborious 
experiments,  and  published  several  circulars,  with  a  view  to 
its  promotion  in  tlie  colony.  He  instituted  an  agricultural  con- 
versation club,  also  a  fair  and  a  museum.  In  a  long  and  able 
letter  to  the  Home  Board,  the  main  object  of  which  is  to  recom- 
mend  the   establishment  of  a  farming  concern   on  Bushrod 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  509 

Island,  together  with  a  manual  labour  school  for  the  instruction 
of  apprentices,  he  says,  "  I  will  repeat  a  few  things  for  your 
encouragement.  Corn  has  succeeded  this  year,  beyond  that  of 
any  former  time;  and  cotton  also.  Messrs,  Moore  and  Simp- 
son brought  out  a  few  ears  of  corn  from  Mississippi,  and  as 
they  could  not  immediately  enter  into  farming,  but  had  a  de- 
sire to  preserve  the  seed  of  this  corn,  they  distributed  it  among 
the  citizens,  among  whom  was  Mr.  Randolph  Cooper,  of  this 
town.  Although  his  garden  is  not  situated  in  a  very  choice 
spot,  yet  in  about  two  months  from  the  time^the  corn  was 
planted,  he  presented  Mr.  Simpson  with  an  ear  altogether 
larger  and  better  than  the  original  seed.  Mr.  P.  Moore,  of 
Millsburg,  tells  me  he  has  seed  corn  raised  at  Millsburg,  and 
that  he  never  saw  larger  or  better  corn  in  America.  I  have 
offered  a  dollar  for  one  dozen  of  those  ears,  for  the  purpose  of 
sending  them  for  your  inspection.  The  cotton  above  men- 
tioned, has  equally  improved  from  the  American  seed,  and 
comes  to  perfection  in  three  months.  I  planted  some  seed  of 
the  English  or  green  pea,  in  my  garden,  and  in  about  four 
weeks  they  were  fit  for  the  table,  and  as  well  formed  as  any  I 
ever  saw.  But  why  need  I  enumerate  ?  I  say  now,  as  I  have 
said  before,  almost  every  thing  that  grows  in  the  United  States, 
will  grow  here,  and  come  to  perfection  in  about  half  the  time." 

The  whole  internal  economy  of  the  colonial  establishment 
appears  to  have  been  making  steady  progress — good  order, 
and  obedience  to  law  being  every  where  prevalent.  We  find 
accounts,  this  year,  of  the  "  anniversaries"  of  several  religious 
societies,  infant  schools,  and  other  public  charities,  that  give  the 
colony  the  appearance  of  a  long  established  and  well  settled 
state  of  society — and  in  a  good  sized  pamphlet,  an  example  of 
their  municipal  legislation,  which  for  phraseology  and  juridical 
merit,  need  not  fear  a  comparison  with  the  productions  of  much 
older  states. 

Most  of  the  settlers  had  returned  to  Bassa  Cove.  They  were 
assisted  in  establishing  themselves  by  Dr.  Skinner. — Soon  after 
his  return  from  that  settlement,Thomas  H.Buchanan, Esq., agent 
of  the  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  societies,  very  opportunely 
arrived  at  Monrovia.  He  landed  on  the  first  of  January,  with 
abundant  supplies  for  the  relief  of  the  infant  colony.  After 
collecting  the  remaining  emigrants  from  Monrovia,  and  the 
surrounding  settlements,  he  proceeded  at  once  to  Bassa  Cove. 
43* 


510  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

The  place  selected  for  the  new  settlement  was  in  a  beautiful 
and  healthy  region,  which  had  previously  been  the  scene  of  a 
slave  factory  from  which  five  hundred  slaves  had  been  monthly 
exported.  During  the  last  summer  more  than  one  hundred 
and  fifty  town  lots  had  been  cleared,  and  several  houses  erected 
for  the  accommodation  of  future  emigrants.  Several  public 
buildings  also  were  far  advanced  towards  a  completion.  Not 
a  death  had  yet  occurred  since  the  resettlement.  "  Our  village, 
(says  the  agent)  though  so  recently  covered  with  a  dense  forest, 
presents  a  cheering  picture  of  industry,  neatness,  and  order. 
The  well  cultivated  gardens,  full  of  various  vegetables,  impart 
an  idea  of  comfort  and  independence,  while  the  broad  smooth 
streets,  shaded  here  and  there  by  the  palm,  with  its  long  fea- 
thery leaves,  throw  over  the  whole  an  air  of  picturesque 
beauty  that  is  quite  delightful.  Generally,  the  emigrants  are 
sober,  peaceful,  contented,  and  happy.  Their  number  exceeds 
two  hundred." 

Whatever  is  said  by  a  man  having  the  conscientiousness 
and  discretion  of  Thomas  H.  Buchanan,  is  entitled  to  the  high- 
est respect.  Soon  after  his  arrival  at  the  colony,  he  thus 
writes: — "I  find  a  state  of  things  here  altogether  better  than 
I  had  ever  anticipated,  even  when  trying  to  imagine  the  bright- 
est side  of  the  picture.  But  with  my  present  imperfect  ability 
to  detect  the  errors  of  first  impressions,  I  shall  withhold  the 
remarks  which  my  feelings  would  prompt.  I  visited  New 
Georgia,  Cape  Town,  and  Caldwell,  on  Tuesday  last.  With 
all  these  towns  I  was  much  pleased;  but  this  term  is  too  feeble 
entirely  to  convey  the  delightful  emotions  excited  by  the  ap- 
pearance of  things  in  the  two  first  named  villages,  which  are 
the  residence  of  the  recaptured  Africans.  Imagine  to  yourself 
a  level  plain  of  some  two  or  three  hundred  acres,  laid  off  into 
square  blocks,  with  streets  intersecting  each  other  at  right 
angles,  as  smooth  and  clear  as  the  best  swept  side-walk  in 
Philadelphia,  and  lined  with  well  planted  hedges  of  cassada 
and  plum;  houses  surrounded  by  gardens  luxuriant  with  fruit 
and  vegetables;  a  school  house  full  of  orderly  children,  neatly 
dressed  and  studiously  engaged;  and  then  say  whether  I  was 
guilty  of  extravagance,  in  exclaiming,  as  I  did  after  surveying 
this  most  lovely  scene,  that  had  the  Colonization  Society  accom- 
plished nothing  more  than  had  been  done  in  the  rescue  from 
slavery  and  savage  habits,  of  these  three  hundred  happy  people, 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  511 

I  should  be  well  satisfied."  Nearly  all  the  inhabitants  of  New 
Georgia,  were  professors  of  religion — and  their  town  was  a 
pattern  of  industry  and  cleanliness  to  the  whole  colony.  Inter- 
marriages between  them  and  the  colonists  were  esteemed  quite 
desirable  on  both  sides,  and  frequently  took  place — while  the 
marriage  of  a  colonist  with  any  one  of  the  neighbouring  tribes, 
was  considered  exceedingly  disreputable,  and  subjected  the 
individual  to  the  contempt  of  his  fellow  colonists.  The  inhabi- 
tants of  New  Georgia  this  year  petitioned  the  council  to  extend 
to  them  the  full  rights  of  a  colonial  establishment.  "  Again," 
Mr.  Buchanan  remarks,  "  Liberia  far  exceeds,  in  almost  every 
respect,  all  that  I  had  ever  imagined  of  her.  Nothing  is  want- 
ed, I  am  persuaded,  but  a  better  system  of  agriculture,  and  the 
permanent  establishment  of  schools,  to  bring  the  people  of  Li- 
beria, at  a  very  early  day,  to  the  very  highest  point  of  the  scale 
of  intellectual  refinement  and  political  consequence." 

The  labours  of  Dr.  Skinner  in  the  colony,  notwithstanding 
all  that  had  been  done  by  his  efficient  predecessor,  were  ex- 
ceedingly arduous  and  multiform.  And  in  consequence  of  the 
addition  of  new  labours  at  the  re-establishment  of  Bassa  Cove, 
and  negotiations  for  new  territory  in  the  interior,  his  repeated 
exposures  brought  on  an  attack  of  fever,  under  which  he  was 
at  length  reduced  so  low  as  to  be  obliged  to  leave  the  colony 
and  return  to  the  United  States.  On  his  departure,  the  admin- 
istration of  the  government  devolved  on  A.  D.  Williams,  the 
lieutenant-governor.  This  title,  and  that  of  governor,  had,  by 
order  of  the  Board,  superseded  those  of  agent  and  vice-agent. 

The  wars  among  the  natives,  which  continued  with  little 
interruption,  subjected  the  colonists  to  great  inconvenience. 
Natives  under  the  protection  of  the  colony,  were  sometimes 
seized  and  sold  to  the  slave  dealers,  by  whom  every  eff'ort  was 
made  to  set  the  natives  against  the  colonists.  Nearly  all  these 
wars  grew  out  of  the  prohibition  of  the  slave  trade  by  the  colo- 
nial authority.  By  the  breaking  up,  this  year,  of  the  immense 
factory  of  the  notorious  Blanco,  that  trade  was  driven  entirely 
from  a  vast  extent  of  coast.  "It  is  a  fact,"  says  the  Liberia 
Herald,  "known  to  all  who  have  made  any  inquiries  on  the 
subject,  that  there  is  not  a  regular  slaving  establishment  to  the 
windward  of  Sierra  Leone,  nearer  than  the  Rio  Pongas;  nor 
is  there  in  the  Rio  Pongas,  as  far  as  we  can  learn,  an  established 
market  for  the  avowed  purpose.     Vessels  casually  purchase 


512  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

slaves  there,  but  there  is  no  regular  market  for  the  purpose. 
Nor  is  there  to  the  leeward  of  Sierra  Leone,  nearer  than  the 
Gallinas,  a  regular  slaving  establishment.  Here,  (at  Liberia) 
there  is  an  extent  of  coast  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles 
cleared  of  the  scourge,  by  the  influence  of  one  settlement  alone. 
Gallinas  is  the  only  slaving  establishment  between  this  and 
Sierra  Leone;  and  to  the  leeward  of  us,  there  is  none  nearer 
than  Bassa."  According  to  this,  from  an  extent  of  coast  of 
three  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  this  trade  has  been  nearly  extir- 
pated by  the  influence  of  the  colonies,  and  this  a  region  which  it 
is  said  was  visited  formerly  by  a  greater  number  of  vessels 
engaged  in  that  trade,  than  now  touch  there  for  purposes 
of  legitimate  commerce.  It  was  partly  in  consequence  of  the 
loss  sustained  by  the  tribes  who  had  supplied  the  dealers,  and 
partly  by  the  instigations  of  the  disappointed  dealers  them- 
selves, that  these  wars,  in  which  the  slave  trading  tribes  sought 
to  vex  the  tribes  which  were  under  the  protection  of  the  colony, 
were  set  on  foot  and  encouraged.  James  Brown  was  sent  to 
settle  the  difficulties  between  the  Dey  Kings,  and  between  Boat- 
swain and  Jenkins.  Messrs.  McGill,  Williams,  and  Whitehurst, 
returned  from  the  mission  into  the  interior,  having  proceeded 
as  far  as  Bo  Poro,  about  one  hundred  miles  from  the  colony, 
and  published  the  result  of  their  labours  in  a  journal  by  White- 
hurst, which  contains  much  curious  and  valuable  information, 
and  is  a  well  written  production. 

In  the  latter  part  of  April,  information  reached  the  colony, 
that  a  town  belonging  to  a  clan  of  the  Dey  people,  under  the 
command  of  King  Softly,  had  been  sacked,  burnt,  and  the 
inhabitants  carried  off"  prisoners.  A  messenger  was  imme- 
diately sent,  requesting  an  interview  with  the  aggressive  party. 
In  the  course  of  a  few  days  the  messenger  returned,  accompa- 
nied by  Ynamby,  the  commander-in-chief  of  Boatswain,  with  an 
armed  escort  of  forty  men.  Audience  was  immediately  given, 
and  a  palaver  talked,  concerning  the  cause  of  the  war.  This 
Ynamby  was  a  notorious  character,  recommended  to  Boatswain 
by  some  bold  exploits,  who  accordingly  secured  his  services  as 
his  head  warrior.  He  was  a  noble  looking  man,  about  thirty- 
five  years  of  age,  considerably  over  six  feet  high,  muscular,  and 
well  proportioned,  with  a  proud  and  commanding  front.  Be- 
fore opening  the  audience,  he,  with  his  warrior  escort,  went 
through  a  strange  religious  ceremony,  accompanied  by  a  wild 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  513 

dance.  Finding  diat  a  cessation  of  hostilities  was  desired  by 
the  agent,  he  made  two  or  three  attempts  to  ascertain  whether 
the  authorities  were  willing  to  pay  for  a  peace.  This  he  artfully 
interwove  with  a  brief  narration  of  his  life,  which  for  deep 
cunning  and  adroitness,  would  not  discredit  an  enlightened 
diplomatist.  The  palaver  commenced  on  the  part  of  the  colony 
by  the  agent :  "  I  want  you  to  stop  the  war.  I  want  African  man 
to  live  in  peace."  Ynamhy:  "My  farrer  die,  he  no  give  me 
nothing;  my  morer  (mother)  die,  he  give  me  nothing.  I  put 
cassado  ground,  he  no  come;  I  put  rice  ground,  he  no  come;  I 
go  look  camwood,  I  no  find  him;  I  go  look  ibery,  (ivory,)  I  no 
get  him.  Dat  time  my  farrer  die,  he  gim  me  dis,  (grasping  his 
lance,)  he  say,  here  your  money.  Now,  pose  war  done,  what 
1  do  for  money?  I  can  git  slave  for  work  my  farm.  I  can  git 
plenty  oomon,  (women).  Pose  no  war,  I  must  put  kinjar  (a 
kind  of  wicker  basket,)  my  back,  all  same  slave,  Dis  time,  I 
git  plenty  slave.  I  git  plenty  oomon;  ebery  time  I  send  all  my 
friend  oomon,  I  say  here  your  wife.  Pose  King  Boson  want 
for  make  peace,  and  I  no  will,  he  can  no  do  em.  Pose  you 
send  man  for  King  Boson,  for  tell  him  no  fight,  he  can  ask  me — 
Ynamby,  you  heart  lay  down?  Pose  I  say  no:  he  can  no  do 
em;  pose  I  say  my  heart  lay  down,  he  can  say  war  done." 

Notwithstanding  their  troubles  with  the  natives,  and  a  tem- 
porary scarcity  of  provisions,  occasioned  by  the  native  wars, 
the  colonists  continued  to  progress  in  the  internal  improvements 
of  their  towns  and  settlements.  Monrovia  contained  five  hun- 
dred well  built  houses,  many  of  them  of  stone,  and  all'  with 
stone  foundations  and  first  story,  besides  docks,  light-  house  and 
public  offices.  There  were  three  stone  churches,  and  as  many 
large  store  warehouses,  twenty  trading  vessels,  and  men  in 
business,  "  who  came  not  worth  five  dollars,  now  worth  thou- 
sands." Nor  were  the  colonists  inattentive  to  their  moral  and 
religious  advancement.  We  have  seen,  from  the  testimony  of  a 
thousand  witnesses,  that  the  inhabitants  of  Liberia  are  pecu- 
liarly a  temperate  and  Sabbath-keeping  people.  Out  of  a  popu- 
lation of  thirty-five  hundred  at  Monrovia,  more  than  five  hun- 
dred were  professors  of  religion.  Nearly  all  the  settlements 
were  this  year  visited  with  the  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
upon  their  religious  assemblies,  and  many  were  hopefully  con- 
verted. The  fifth  Baptist  church  was  this  year  erected,  making 
in  all  ten  churches  in  the  colony. 


514  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

The  first  murder  that  ever  occurred  in  the  colony,  was  com- 
mitted this  year.  A  recaptured  African,  of  the  Congo  tribe, 
named  Joe  Waldburgh,  was  murdered  by  an  Ebo,  named  John 
Demony,  at  the  instigation  of  Waldburgh's  wife.  The  crime 
was  marked  by  the  most  aggravating  circumstances.  The  par- 
ties were  tried.  Governor  Skinner  presiding,  and  condemned  to 
be  hung.     The  execution  took  place  on  the  22d  of  July. 

The  Maryland  colony  at  Cape  Palmas  continued  to  prosper. 
From  the  commencement  of  this  settlement  in  1833,  the  society 
had  sent  out  seven  expeditions,  containing  in  all  about  three 
hundred  emigrants.  The  village  of  Harper  contained  about 
twenty-five  private  houses,  and  several  public  buildings ;  a 
public  farm  of  ten  acres  had  been  cleared,  and  thirty  acres 
were  under  cultivation  by  the  colonists.  Their  influence  on  the 
natives  was  salutary:  schools  were  established  in  the  settle- 
ment, and  the  people  were  pronounced  by  their  late  excellent 
governor.  Dr.  Hall,  moral,  industrious,  religious,  and  happy. 
This  gentleman  had  resigned  his  oflice,  and  J.  B.  Russwurm, 
former  editor  of  the  Liberia  Herald,  was  appointed  to  that 
station.  In  addition  to  the  number  of  missionaries  already 
engaged  in  this  settlement,  the  brig  Niobe  from  Baltimore,  in 
December,  brought  out  Thomas  Savage,  M.  D.,  missionary  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  Rev.  D.  White  and  lady,  of 
the  American  Board,  Mr.  James,  a  coloured  printer,  sent  out 
by  the  same  Board  as  assistant  missionary,  and  Mr.  David 
James,  a  coloured  missionary  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Seyes,  who  had  recently  returned 
from  a  visit  to  the  United  States,  and  brought  with  him  one 
white  and  one  coloured  Methodist  preacher,  writes  under  date 
of  December  21:  "I  preached  in  Krootown  this  afternoon,  to  a 
congregation  of  Kroomen.  I  spoke  without  an  interpreter,  in 
broken  English,  compounded  of  the  most  common  words  of 
our  language,  and  many  that  are  peculiar  to  Africa,  and  which 
were  familiar  to  me  from  my  infancy.  They  listened  to  us 
with  deep  attention,  and  when  we  went  to  prayer,  in  conclu- 
sion, they  came  around  us,  and  not  content  to  kneel  simply, 
they  bowed  down  their  faces  to  the  earth.  0  let  me  urge  it 
upon  the  church  to  have  pity  upon  this  intelligent  and  teachable 
tribe.  0  send  us  a  missionary  for  Kroo  Settra.  They  beg,  they 
intreat  us  to  send  them  a  teacher — a  man  of  God.     We  shall 


HISTORY   OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION'.  515 

make  an  additional  effort  to  plant  the  standard  of  the  Redeemer 
among  the  Condoes." 

While  Dr.  Hall  was  Governor  of  the  Maryland  colony,  he 
was  a  good  deal  annoyed  by  the  pilfering  propensities  of  King 
Freeman's  people.  In  order  to  defend  himself,  he  informed 
the  king  that  he  should  hold  him  responsible  for  the  thefts  of 
his  people.  The  king  complied  for  some  time,  but  the  cases 
were  so  frequent  and  his  authority  over  the  tribe  so  easily 
eluded,  that  he  gave  up  in  despair,  and  applied  to  the  Governor 
for  the  secret  of  the  influence  which  made  the  colonists  so  orderly 
and  obedient.  On  being  informed  that  all  his  laws  were  manu- 
factured by  the  Society's  Board  in  Baltimore,  King  Freeman 
resolved  to  send  his  head-man,  Simleh  Balla,  to  Baltimore,  to 
get  him  a  book  of  laws  made.  Simleh,  accordingly,  took  ship 
for  Baltimore.  He  was  introduced  to  the  Board,  and  of  course 
kindly  received  by  them.  He  then  stated  the  object  of  his 
mission  in  the  following  speech,  as  nearly  as  it  could  be  written 
at  the  time: 

"I  be  Balla,  head-man  for  King  Freeman  of  Cape  Palmas. 
Him  send  me  this  country.  I  come  for  peak  his  word.  Pose 
him  sava  book,  I  no  come;  he  make  book  and  send  him;  but 
cause  he  no  sava  make  book,  I  come  for  look  country  and  speak 
him  words. 

''Long  time  past,  slave  man  come  we  country.  He  do  we 
bad  too  much,  he  make  slave,  he  tief  plenty  man  for  sell.  By 
and  by  all  slave  man  knock  off.  This  time  we  no  sell  slave, 
no  man  come  for  tief  him.  All  man  glad  this  palaver  done 
sit.  Beside  that  we  have  plenty  trouble.  All  man  have  to  go 
for  ship  for  get  him  ting,  iron,  cloth,  tobacco,  guns,  powder,  and 
plenty,  plenty,  little  ting.  Some  time  canoe  capsize,  man  lose 
all  him  money.  Some  time  he  die,  plenty  water  kill  him,  him 
can't  come  up.  This  hurt  we  too  much,  and  make  we  heart 
sorry.  By  and  by  one  white  man  come  we  country.  He  bring 
plenty  black  American  man.  Him  buy  we  country — we  give 
him  land  for  sit  down.  Him  say  he  come  for  do  country  good. 
Him  build  house — put  all  him  money  shore — make  farm — 
make  road — make  all  country  fine.  This  time  all  good  ting 
live  shore — no  more  go  ship,  Ebery  man  can  buy  that  ting 
him  want.  No  money  lose — no  man  lose.  This  make  all  men 
heart  glad — make  king's  heart  glad.  King  tell  me,  '  Balla,  go 
that  country,  see  how  this  ting  be.     Tell  them  people  all  we 


516  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

heart  say.  Thank  him  for  that  good  thing  them  do  for  we 
country.  Beg  him  for  send  more  man,  for  make  house,  make 
farm — for  bring  money,  and  for  make  all  little  childs  sava  read 
book,  all  same  America  men.'     I  done." 

The  Board  furnished  a  simple  penal  code,  in  language  that 
the  natives  could  understand.  On  reading  it  to  Simleh,  a  clause 
limiting  every  man  to  a  single  wife  alarmed  him,  and  he  ex- 
pressed his  disapprobation  in  the  following  language: — "No 
good  for  my  countryman.  (Why  not,  Simleh?)  Me  tell  you. 
I  got  four  wives.  Spose  1  send  three  away,  and  keep  Bana — 
she  pretty — she  young.  No  man  give  'em  rice — no  man  take 
care  of  'em — they  die — pickaninny  die  too — no  good  law  that." 
There  was  so  much  reason  in  his  objection  that  an  immediate 
reply  was  not  made  to  him,  and  after  a  short  pause,  he  went 
on:  "Me  tell  you.  Spose  that  law  no  good  law  for  me — well — 
that  law  good  for  my  son — he  pickaninny  now — got  no  wife — 
by  um  by  he  want  wife — I  say,  '  King  Freeman  say  you  only 
have  one  wife — so  all  men.'  When  I  got  my  four  wives  I  no 
sava  that  law.  When  my  son  get  wife,  he  sava  law — he  do 
what  law  say.     Yes,  that  good  law  for  time  come." 

After  the  return  of  Simleh  to  Africa,  the  laws  being  adopted, 
and  found  to  be  popular  and  productive  of  the  happiest  results, 
the  king  applied  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson  to  write  him  a  letter 
of  thanks  to  the  Board,  as  follows: 

"  King  Freeman  to  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Colonization  Board 
of  Baltimore — Naheveo.  (Greeting.) 

"  Mr.  Wilson  be  hand  for  me  and  Simleh  Balla  be  mout  for 
me  for  make  dis  book,  but  de  word  come  from  me  own  heart. 
He  be  true  I  send  Balla  for  look  you — he  eye  be  all  same  me 
eye,  and  dat  word  he  peak  be  all  same  he  come  out  me  own 
mout.  You  do  Balla  good  when  he  lib  at  your  hand,  dat  be 
all  same  you  do  good  for  King  Freeman.  I  tank  you  for  dat — 
Balla  tell  me  you  hab  fine  country — I  believe  what  he  say, 
cause  he  no  fit  for  tell  lie,  I  tank  you  bcry  much,  gentlemen, 
for  dem  dash  you  send  me.  I  like  em  plenty  and  go  keep  em 
ail  de  time.  But  I  tank  you  berry  much  for  them  law  you  send 
me — he  be  good  law  and  all  my  people  go  do  him.  Pos'  I  have 
dem  law  first  time,  I  no  go  do  fool  fash  all  time — dis  time  I  go 
make  all  me  people  do  dat  ting  what  you  law  tell  me.  I  tank 
you  plenty,  gentlemen,  for  dem  good  law.     I  tell  all  man  go 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  517 

hear  Misser  Wilson  talk  God  palaver,  and  yiserday  so  much 
man  go  till  plenty  hab  for  stand  outside  de  house. 

"  Soon  Balla  go  for  Merica  first  time,  me  go  long  way  bush, 
and  tell  all  man  say  he  must  make  fine  road  and  bring  plenty 
trade  for  Cape  Palmas.  Me  heart  tink  say,  he  gwin  do  him 
soon. 

"  Me  hear  you  say  you  hab  plenty  slave  in  your  country. 
Me  hab  one  word  for  peak  dem.  You  must  come  me  country, 
den  you  be  freemen  for  true.  Dis  country  be  big  and  plenty 
room  lib  here.  Pos'  you  come,  I  speak  true,  me  heart  be  glad 
plenty  for  look  you.  Pos'  any  gentleman  want  come,  me  want 
him  for  come  too — me  heart  glad  for  see  dem  too  much. 

*'  Me  wod  be  done  now.  I  tank  you  berry  much  for  your 
dash  and  your  law.  I  go  lub  you  till  me  dead.  Me  send  you 
one  country  chair  for  you  look  at.  Me  go  put  pickaninny 
country  und  for  you  see. 

"A  good  child  loves  his  father,  he  loves  his  mother. 

"  King  Freeman,  alias  Pa  Nimmah." 

It  must  have  been  truly  gratifying  to  every  benevolent  heart 
to  watch  the  progress  of  the  cause  at  home,  during  this  year. 
In  almost  every  section  of  the  country  it  was  increasing  in 
favour  with  the  people.  Auxiliaries  were  formed — large  be- 
quests and  other  contributions  were  made — the  society  was 
multiplying  its  labours — and  the  situation  of  the  slave  became 
everywhere  the  object  of  the  most  benevolent  interest.  The 
secretary  of  the  society  made  a  tour  through  the  south  and 
south-west,  and  was  everywhere  received  with  favour,  and 
often  with  enthusiasm.  Memorials,  from  several  different 
quarters,  were  sent  in  to  Congress  praying  for  governmental 
aid  to  the  cause.  The  project  of  a  colonial  collegiate  institu- 
tion was  ardently  taken  up  by  the  Young  Men's  Colonization 
Society  of  New  York,  and  a  large  amount  of  money  was  raised 
for  that  object.  Several  associations  were  formed  for  the  pur- 
pose of  considering  the  condition  of  the  slaves  in  this  country, 
and  with  a  special  view  to  educating  them  and  preparing  them 
for  freedom  and  colonization. 

We  shall  close  the  history  of  colonization,  during  the  year 
1836,  by  an  extract  relating  to  Liberia,  from  the  Sketches  of 
Foreign  Travel,  by  the  Rev.  Charles  Rockwell,  of  the  United. 
States  Navy. 

"It  was  on  the  Sabbath,  late  in  the  month  of  November, 
44 


518  HISTORr    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

1836,  that  we  came  to  anchor  in  the  harbour  of  Monrovia. 
As  the  (lay  is  there  observed  as  strictly  as  in  a  Scottish  or  New 
England  village,  we  saw  nothing  of  the  colonists  until  Monday, 
though  they  must  have  been  anxious  to  know  who  we  were, 
and  what  news  we  had  brought  them.  During  our  visits  to 
the  different  settlements  along  the  coast,  our  intercourse  with 
the  colonists  was  everywhere  free  and  familiar,  and  apparently 
gratifying  to  both  parties. 

"  Mr.  Williams,  who  has  for  years  been  the  acting  governor  of 
Monrovia,  took  the  lead  in  entertaining  us,  and  in  doing  the 
honors  of  the  place.  He  was  from  Petersburg,  Virginia,  where, 
if  I  mistake  not,  he  was  once  a  slave.  He  has  a  peculiarly 
modest,  sedate,  gentlemanly  deportment,  and  during  his  re- 
peated visits  to  the  United  States,  has,  by  his  intelligence  and 
good  sense,  justly  secured  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  those 
with  whom  he  has  had  intercourse.  He  came  to  Africa,  as  a 
clergyman  of  the  Methodist  church,  and  for  a  year  or  more 
was  engaged  in  the  self  denying  labours  of  a  missionary  among 
the  natives,  at  a  distance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  in  the 
interior.  Under  the  title  of  vice-agent,  he  has  for  years  been 
at  the  head  (actively)  of  the  colony,  and  as  far  as  I  could  learn, 
has  so  discharged  the  duties  of  his  office  as  to  secure  the  confi- 
dence alike  of  his  fellow  citizens,  and  of  the  society  from  which 
he  received  his  appointment. 

"  The  secretary  of  the  colony,  who  is  also  the  editor  of  the 
Liberia  Herald,  was  a  native  of  Virginia,  but  was  educated  in 
part  in  Boston.  He  is  a  man  of  dignified  and  gentlemanly  de- 
portment, and  an  able,  correct,  and  vigorous  writer.  He  came 
to  Africa  at  so  early  an  age  that  his  manners  are  those  of  one 
wlio  has  known  no  superior,  and  who  has  never  been  trained 
to  cringe  and  bow  to  those  who,  from  having  a  skin  whiter 
than  his  own,  might  have  claimed  the  right  of  lording  it  over 
him.  Such  specimens  of  the  coloured  race,  I  have  seen  no 
where  but  in  Africa;  and  surely  to  those  who  take  pleasure  in 
beholding  in  man  the  image  of  his  Maker,  it  were  worth  a 
voyage  to  that  continent  to  witness  so  pleasing  a  spectacle. 
The  different  physicians  in  the  colony,  at  the  time  of  our  visit, 
were  also  men  of  colour;  and  we  met  with  individuals  in  other 
walks  of  life,  whose  intelligence,  energy,  and  independence  of 
character,  would  have  done  no  discredit  to  any  community. 

"  We  were  every  where  hospitably  received,  taking  our  seats 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  519 

with  the  colonists  at  their  tables,  uniting  with  them  in  a  public 
dinner  which  they  gave  us  on  shore,  and  entertaining  them  and 
their  ladies  on  board  our  ship.  The  houses  of  the  wealthier 
class  are  two  stories  high,  of  a  good  size,  and  with  drawing 
rooms  furnished  with  sofas,  sideboards,  and  other  articles  of 
hixury  and  ease.  Most  of  the  colonists,  however,  live  in 
houses  of  a  story  and  a  half  high,  framed  and  covered  as  in 
New  England,  and  having,  besides  the  chambers,  small  but 
convenient  rooms  on  the  lower  floor,  while  the  cooking  is  com- 
monly done,  as  in  our  Southern  States,  in  cabins  distinct  from 
the  house,  to  avoid  the  annoyance  of  smoke  and  heat.  In 
attending  church  at  Monrovia,  we  met  with  an  attentive  and 
devout  audience;  and  among  the  females  it  struck  me  that 
there  was  a  larger  proportion  of  silk  dresses  than  is  often  to  be 
met  whh  in  congregations  with  us.  There  is  commonly  preach- 
ing in  all  the  churches  three  times  upon  the  Sabbath,  and  once 
or  more  during  the  other  days  of  the  week. 

"At  a  wedding  party  which  I  attended,  there  was  a  degree  of 
form  and  etiquette,  such  as  to  remind  me  of  the  remark  made  by 
a  foreign  traveller,  that  the  coloured  people  were  the  most  polite 
class  he  met  with  in  the  United  States.  On  the  tables,  to  which 
we  were  invited,  was  beef,  obtained  from  a  small  breed  of  native 
cattle  which  are  very  fat,  together  with  mutton,  ham,  eggs, 
fowls,  fine  oysters  and  fresh  fish,  sweet  potatoes,  rice,  oranges, 
bananas,  and  other  tropical  fruits,  with  excellent  bread,  pastry, 
and  sweet-meats.  The  cooking  was  very  good,  having  been 
done  by  those  who  had  been  trained  in  the  first  families  in  our 
Southern  States.  Among  our  young  officers  there  were  seve- 
ral who  found  in  the  colonies,  old  family  servants  of  their  own, 
or  of  their  relatives  and  neighbours;  and  the  feelings  of  interest 
and  attachment  that  were  exhibited  in  such  cases,  and  the 
hberal  presents  made  on  both  sides,  showed  that  the  meeting 
was  far  from  being  an  unpleasant  one."  The  author  next  goes 
into  a  minute  and  most  valuable  account  of  the  climate,  soil, 
and  productions,  of  the  country,  where  we  regret  that  our 
limits  do  not  permit  us  to  follow  him.  He  agrees  with  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Wilson,  himself  a  southern  gentleman,  that  the  rice 
plantations  in  the  colony  "  were  unsurpassed,  or  rather  une- 
qualled, by  any  he  had  ever  seen  before." 

Well  may  we  reply  with  Dr.  J.  Breckinridge  in  a  speech  at  an 
anniversary  of  the  society  in  New  York,  in  answer  to  the  ques- 


520  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

tion,  What  has  been  done?  "We  point  to  the  history  of  that 
blessed  institution  planted  by  American  hands.  We  point  to 
temples  reared  to  the  living  God  on  that  dark  coast,  now  be- 
spangled with  colonies  clustering  like  a  constellation  of  promise, 
and  rising  on  the  deep  dark  sea  of  Africa's  woes.  We  point 
to  revivals  of  religion,  to  the  Spirit  poured  from  Heaven,  and 
giving  the  testimony  of  the  God  of  the  Bible  to  this  good  cause. 
W'e  point  to  an  enterprise  begun  and  carried  on  upon  principles 
such  as  God's  word  has  announced,  and  his  providence  has 
openly  sustained." 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


VICE-AGENCY  OF  MR.  A.  D.  WILLIAMS,  1837. 

In  the  recent  death  of  the  illustrious  James  Madison,  the  Ame- 
rican Colonization  Society  had,  with  the  American  people, 
special  cause  for  mourning.  Tliis  great  statesman,  and  "  father 
of  the  constitution,"  had  for  years  filled  the  office  of  president 
of  the  society,  had  been  one  of  its  earliest  advisers,  and  one  of 
its  most  ardent  friends.  One  of  the  last,  if  not  the  very  last, 
labour  of  this  great  man's  pen,  was  a  letter  in  recommendation 
of  the  principles  of  the  society. 

The  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  death  of  Madison,  was  filled 
by  the  unanimous  election  of  the  Hon.  Henry  Clay.  In  sig- 
nifying his  acceptance  of  the  office,  this  distinguished  friend  of 
the  society,  observes:  "Regarding  the  American  Colonization 
Society  as  the  only  practicable  scheme  ever  presented  to  public 
consideration,  for  separating  advantageously  to  all  parties,  the 
European  descendants  upon  this  continent  from  the  free  people 
of  colour,  the  descendants  of  Africans,  with  their  own  consent; 
and  of  ultimately  effecting  a  more  extensive  separation  of  the 
two  races,  with  the  consent  of  the  States  and  individuals  in- 
terested, 1  shall  continue  to  cherish  the  highest  interest  in  the 
success  of  the  society,  and  will  contribute  whatever  is  in  my 
power  to  promote  its  prosperity." 

The  operations  of  the  parent  society  were  somewhat  crip- 
pled at  this  time,  by  the  State  societies,  some  of  them,  pie- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  521 

ferring  to  make  independent  application  of  their  funds;  and 
the  planting  of  the  new  settlement  of  "Mississippi  in  Liberia," 
increased  the  number  of  separate  colonial  establishments  in  Li- 
beria, to  four.  Some  of  these  State  associations  preferring,  as 
we  have  said,  to  act  independently  of  the  parent  society,  it 
became  necessary  that  some  plan  of  union  should  be  agreed 
upon  among  them  all.  Such  a  plan  was  accordingly  drawn 
up  by  a  committee  of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  con- 
sisting of  twelve  gentlemen,  mostly  statesmen  well  known  to  the 
nation,  of  whom  the  Hon.  C.  F.  Mercer  was  the  chairman,  and 
at  a  subsequent  meeting  was  accepted  by  the  Board.  This 
plan  of  federal  union,  and  the  constitution  accompanying  it, 
was  then  submitted  to  the  particular  societies,  all  of  whom 
agreed  thereto,  except  that  of  Maryland.  A  convention  of 
delegates  was  then  proposed  to  meet  at  Philadelphia,  in  Sep- 
tember of  the  following  year.  The  proposition  was  favourably 
received,  and  a  convention  was  held  at  the  time  and  place  pro- 
posed. Maryland  still  declining  to  become  a  party,  the  con- 
vention broke  up,  and  at  the  succeeding  annual  meeting  of  the 
American  Colonization  Society,  held  at  Washington,  in  which 
all  the  societies  interested  were  fully  represented,  the  plan  of 
Federal  Union  was  fully  discussed,  and,  with  little  alteration, 
adopted.  The  society,  from  that  time,  has  been  in  operation 
under  the  amended  constitution  for  the  united  colonies,  by  the 
name  and  style  of  the  CommonweaUh  of  Liberia.  It  has  been 
found,  as  predicted,  that  these  changes  in  the  organization  of 
of  the  society,  have  proved  highly  advantageous.  The  wis- 
dom and  power  of  the  State  societies,  are  thereby  embodied  in 
the  American  Colonization  Society.  The  directors  being  now 
composed  of  delegates  from  the  State  societies,  naturally  feel  a 
more  direct  responsibility  than  when  appointed  as  formerly, 
and  being  distributed  in  the  several  States,  are  able  to  represent 
the  views  and  wishes  of  the  friends  of  colonization  generally, 
and  are  an  accessible  medium  of  communication  between  the 
society  and  its  patrons. 

The  charter  through  which  the  society  receives  its  present 
corporate  powers,  was  granted  by  the  Legislature  of  Maryland, 
and  passed  that  body  on  the  22d  of  March,  1837.  The  charter 
of  1831,  held  from  the  same  State,  was  found  to  be  defective  in 
some  important  respects,  and  the  rights  and  interests  of  the 
society  had  been  materially  injured  in  consequence.  Having 
44* 


522  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

applied  in  the  first  instance  to  the  Congress  at  Washington,  for 
a  new  charter,  andbeing  refused  on  the  ground  that  Congress 
had  not  power  under  the  constitution  to  confer  it,  the  society 
turned  again  to  the  Legislature  of  Maryland,  praying  for  the 
addition  of  new  powers  to  their  former  act  of  incorporation. 
Their  memorial  was  accepted  and  considered  by  that  legisla- 
ture, and  on  the  13th  of  May,  1S37,  a  special  meeting  of  the 
society  being  held  at  Beltsville,  Prince  George's  county,  for  the 
purpose  of  considering  the  new  charter,  it  was  accepted. 

In  the  reports  which  the  secretary  of  the  society  made  from 
lime  to  time  during  his  tour  through  the  South  and  West,  we 
find  the  following  interesting  passage,  which,  although  not  im- 
mediately bearing  upon  the  history  of  colonization,  yet  has  a 
collateral  connexion  therewith,  and  is  possessed  of  so  intrinsic 
an  interest,  that  we  cannot  forbear  extracting  it.     "  In  the  re- 
spected family  of  General  Owen,  of  Wilmington,  North  Caro- 
lina, I  became  acquainted  with  a  native  African,  whose  history 
and  character  are  exceedingly  interesting,  and  some  sketches  of 
whose  life  have  been  already  published.     I  allude  to  Moro,  or 
Omora,  a  Foulah  by  birth,  educated  a  Mahomedan,  and  who, 
long  after  he  came  in  slavery  to  this  country,  retained  a  devoted 
attachment  to  the  faith  of  his  fathers,  and  deemed  a  copy  of  the 
Koran  in  Arabic  (which  language  he  reads  and  writes  with 
facility,)  his  richest  treasure.     About  twenty  years  ago,  while 
scarcely  able  to  express  his  thoughts  intelligibly  on  any  subject 
in  the  English  language,  he  fled  from  a  severe  master  in  South 
Carolina,  and  on  his  arrival  at  Fayetteville,  was  seized  as  a 
runaway  slave,  and  thrown  into  jail.     His  peculiar  appearance, 
inabihty  to  converse,  and  particularly  the  facility  with  which 
he  was  observed  to  write  a  strange  language,  attracted  much 
attention,  and  induced  his  present  humane  and  Christian  master 
to  take  him  from  prison,  and  finally,  at  his  earnest  request,  to 
become  his  purchaser.     His  gratitude  was  boundless,  and  his 
joy  to  be  imagined  only  by  him,  who  has  himself  been  relieved 
from  the  iron  that  enters  the  soul.     Since  his  residence  with 
General  Owen,  he  has  worn  no  bonds  but  those  of  gratitude 
and  affection, 

'  Ol  'tis  a  Godlike  privilege  to  save, 
And  he  who  scorns  it,  is  himself  a  slave.' 

Being  of  a  feeble  constitution,  ]Moro's  duties  have  been  of  the 
lightest  kind,  and  he  has  been  treated  rather  as  a  friend  than  a 


HISTORY    OF    AFKICAN    COLONIZATION.  523 

servant.  The  garden  has  been  to  him  a  place  of  recreation 
rather  than  a  toil,  and  the  concern  is  not  that  he  should  labour 
more,  but  less.  The  anxious  efforts  made  to  instruct  him  in  the 
doctrines  and  precepts  of  our  divine  religion  have  not  been  in 
vain.  He  has  thrown  aside  the  blood-stained  Koran,  and  now 
worships  at  the  feet  of  the  Prince  of  Peace.  The  Bible,  of 
which  he  has  an  Arabic  copy,  is  his  guide,  his  comforter,  or  as 
he  expresses  it,  '  his  life.'  Far  advanced  in  years  and  very 
infirm,  he  is  animated  in  conversation,  and  when  he  speaks 
of  God  or  the  affecting  truths  of  the  Scriptures,  his  swarthy 
features  beam  with  devotion,  and  his  eye  is  lit  up  with  the 
hope  of  immortality.  Some  of  the  happiest  hours  of  his  life 
were  spent  in  the  society  of  the  Rev.  Jonas  King,  during  his 
last  visit  from  Greece  to  the  United  States.  With  that  gentle- 
man he  conversed  and  read  the  Scriptures  in  the  Arabic  lan- 
guage, and  felt  the  triumph  of  the  same  all  conquering  faith  as 
he  chanted  with  him  the  praises  of  the  Christian's  God. 

"  Moro  is  much  interested  in  the  plans  and  progress  of  the 
American  Colonization  Society.  He  thinks  his  age  and  infirmi- 
ties forbid  his  return  to  his  own  country.  His  prayer  is  that 
the  Foulahs  and  all  other  Mahomedans  may  receive  the  gospel. 
When,  more  than  a  year  ago,  a  man  by  the  name  of  Paul,  of  the 
Foulah  nation,  and  able  like  himself  to  understand  Arabic,  was 
preparing  to  embark  at  New  York  for  Liberia,  Moro  corres- 
ponded with  him  and  presented  him  with  one  of  his  two  copies 
of  the  Bible  in  that  language.  Extracts  from  Moro's  letters  are 
before  me.  In  one  of  them  he  says,  'I  hear  you  wish  to  go 
back  to  Africa;  if  you  do  go,  hold  fast  to  Jesus  Christ's  law, 
and  tell  all  the  brethren  that  they  may  turn  to  Jesus  before  it  is 
too  late.  The  missionaries  who  go  that  way  to  preach  to  sin- 
ners, pay  attention  to  them,  I  beg  you  for  Christ's  sake.  They 
call  all  people,  rich  and  poor,  white  and  black,  to  come  and  drink 
of  the  waters  of  life  freely,  without  money  and  without  price. 
I  have  been  in  Africa;  it  is  a  dark  part.  I  was  a  follower  of 
Mahomet,  went  to  church,  prayed  five  times  a  day,  and  did 
all  Mahomet  said  I  must;  but  the  Lord  is  so  good.  He  opened 
my  way  and  brought  me  to  this  part  of  the  world  where  I  found 
the  light.  Jesus  Christ  is  the  light,  all  that  believe  in  him  shall 
be  saved,  all  that  believe  not  shall  be  lost.  The  Lord  put  reli- 
gion in  my  heart  about  ten  years  ago.  I  joined  the  Presbyterian 
church,  and  since  that  time  I  have  minded  Jesus'  laws.     I  have 


524  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

turned  away  from  Mahomet  to  follow  Christ.  I  do  not  ask  for 
long  life,  for  riclies,  or  for  great  things  in  this  world,  all  I  ask  is  a 
seat  at  Jesus'  feet  in  heaven.  The  Bible,  which  is  the  word  of 
God,  says,  sinners  must  be  born  again  or  they  never  can  see 
God  in  peace.  They  must  be  changed  by  the  Spirit  of  God. 
I  loved  and  served  the  world  a  long  time,  but  this  did  not  make 
me  happy.  God  opened  my  eyes  to  see  the  danger  I  was  in. 
I  was  like  one  who  stood  by  the  road  side  and  cried,  Jesus,  thou 
Son  of  God,  have  mercy ;  he  heard  me  and  did  have  mercy. 
'  God  so  loved  the  world  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son^ 
that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but  have 
everlasting  life.'  I  am  an  old  sinner,  but  Jesus  is  an  old  Sa- 
viour. I  am  a  great  sinner,  but  Jesus  is  a  great  Saviour:  thank 
God  for  it.  If  you  wish  to  be  happy,  lay  aside  Mahomet's 
prayer,  and  use  the  one  which  our  blessed  Saviour  taught  his 
disciples, '  Our  Father,'  &c." 

In  another  letter  to  the  same,  he  writes,  "I  have  every  reason 
to  believe  that  you  are  a  good  man,  and  as  such,  1  love  you  as 
I  love  myself.  I  have  two  Arabic  Bibles,  procured  for  me  by 
my  good  Christian  friends,  and  one  of  them  I  will  send  you  the 
first  opportunity;  we  ought  now  to  wake  up  for  we  have  been 
asleep.  God  has  been  good  to  us  in  bringing  us  to  this  coun- 
try, and  placing  us  in  the  hands  of  Christians.  Let  us  now 
wake  up  and  go  to  Christ,  and  he  will  give  us  light.  God  bless 
the  American  land!  God  bless  the  white  people!  They  send 
out  men  every  where  to  hold  up  a  crucified  Saviour  to  the 
dying  world.  In  this  they  are  doing  the  Lord's  will.  My  lot 
is  at  last  a  delightful  one.  From  one  man  to  another  I  went 
until  I  fell  into  the  hands  of  a  pious  man.  He  read  the  Bible 
for  me  until  my  eyes  were  opened,  now  I  can  see;  thank  God 
for  it.     I  am  dealt  with  as  a  child,  not  as  a  servant." 

By  the  establishment  of  the  mission  of  tlie  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  near  Cape  Palmas,  the  whole  number  of  mission- 
aries in  the  colonies  was  increased  to  between  twenty-five  and 
thirty.  The  labours  of  these  self-denying  men  were  arduous, 
but  they  were  not  in  vain.  Two  dialects  of  the  neighbouring 
tribes  had  been  reduced  to  a  written  form,  and  primers,  cate- 
chisms, and  portions  of  the  Bible,  published  in  both.  The 
report  of  the  Liberia  mission  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  represents  this  as  a  year  of  unparalleled  prosperity. 
'•The  fervent  and  united   prayers,"  says  that  report;  "with 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION.  525 

which  we  commenced  1S37,  have  not  been  in  vain.  The 
thousands  of  pious  hearts  among  the  Christians  of  America, 
which  have  been  supplicating  a  throne  of  divine  grace  for 
Africa,  have  not  been  pleading  for  nought."  Rev.  Mr.  Seyes, 
after  his  return  writes,  "It  remains  for  me  to  add,  that  up  to  the 
present  moment  we  are  still  the  continued  objects  of  divine  care, 
and  blessed  with  innumerable  instances  of  God's  loving  kind- 
ness. Truly,  my  brother,  'the  lines  have  fallen  to  us  in  plea- 
sant places,  and  we  have  a  goodly  heritage.'  When  I  look 
around  me,  and  see  what  a  few  months — a  little  more  than  one 
short  year — have  accomplished,  I  am  astonished  at  the  goodness 
and  mercy  of  God.  The  work  of  the  Lord  goes  on.  Could 
you,  could  any  of  my  beloved  brethren  in  America,  have  wit- 
nessed the  scene  which  my  eyes  beheld  this  afternoon,  surely  a 
fresh  interest  would  have  been  excited  for  poor  Africa.  I 
preached  to  a  congregation  of  Kroomen.  They  hung  upon 
my  lips,  and  listened  with  deep  attention.  I  opened  to  them  a 
brief  history  of  the  creation,  noticing  each  day's  work  com- 
prising the  first  week  of  time.  I  told  them  of  man — how  iiis 
Maker  made  him,  how  he  blest  him,  but  how  basely  he  fell. 
At  last  I  talked  of  Jesus,  the  blessed  Jesus,  and,  0  my  brother, 
when  we  went  to  prayer  in  conclusion,  and  our  beloved  brother 
Chase,  in  a  most  pathetic  and  appropriate  manner,  addressed  a 
throne  of  grace,  they  formed  a  semi-circle  around  us,  and  not 
content  to  kneel  simply,  they  bowed  down  their  faces  to  the 
earth.  It  was  a  most  interesting  and  solemn  time."  '-We  have 
enjoyed  recently  two  days  of  much  pleasure.  The  brig  Niobe 
arrived  on  the  15th,  with  emigrants  from  Baltimore,  designed 
for  Palmas.  In  her  came  as  passengers,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Savage, 
Episcopalian  clergyman  and  physician.  Rev.  David  White, 
Presbyterian  missionary,  and  his  lady,  and  a  Mr.  Henshaw. 
These  beloved  brethren  spent  two  days  with  us.  It  was  a  treat 
to  us  to  enjoy  their  excellent  society,  and  their  fervent  prayers. 
JSIay  God  spare  their  useful  lives." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson  made  an  extensive  tour  through  the 
interior,  and  was  every  where  beset  by  the  people  for  teachers 
and  missionaries.  The  lights  of  humanity  and  religion  were 
now  gradually  pervading  the  surrounding  tribes,  and  had 
already  effected  a  total  cessation  of  human  sacrifices,  so  com- 
mon before  the  colonies  were  planted.  Bob  Grey,  one  of  the 
principal  chiefs  at  Bassa  Cove,  informed  the  missionaries  that 


52.6  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

he  had  frequently  sacrificed  victims  under  a  tree  still  standing 
near  Edina,  and  celebrated  as  the  "Devil's  Bush."  A  Chris- 
tian church  is  now  sheltered  beneath  the  branches  of  that  tree. 
These  branches  were,  at  one  time,  after  a  victory  on  the  part 
of  the  neighbouring  tribe,  "  loaded  with  the  dripping  horrors 
of  a  thousand  decapitated  and  mangled  heads."  "We  are 
gratified  by  the  fact,"  says  INIr.  Wilson,  "that  the  people  under 
our  charge  and  instruction,  are  now  in  great  numbers  suspend- 
ing their  ordinary  labours  and  amusements  on  the  Sabbath, 
and  are  avowedly  determined  for  the  future  to  be  constant 
attendants  upon  religious  instruction.  Last  Sabbath  I  preached 
to  them  in  the  open  air;  and,  although  this  is  with  them  the 
most  busy  season  of  the  year,  I  had  an  audience,  as  it  was 
supposed,  of  six  hundred  persons.  At  the  close  of  the  remarks, 
a  venerable  old  man,  of  three  score  and  ten  years,  rose  up  and 
smote  upon  his  breast,  saying,  'he  has  spoken  the  truth,  and  we 
never  heard  it  before.'  Next  Sabbath  I  am  to  preach  to  them 
on  a  subject  of  their  own  selection  :  the  evidence  of  the  authen- 
ticity of  the  Bible,  and  the  circumstances  and  manner  of  its 
communication  to  mankind.  One  week  later,"  Mr.  Wilson 
adds,  "  we  conscientiously  believe,  that  the  inquiry  has  sprung 
up  in  the  hearts  of  many  of  them,  '  What  shall  we  do  to  be 
saved?'  Last  Sabbath  I  exhibited  to  them  some  of  the  proofs 
that  the  Bible  was  God's  book.  The  audience  was  about  six 
hundred,  and  I  do  not  know  that  I  ever  saw  a  more  orderly, 
more  attentive  assembly.  Next  Sabbath  I  am,  by  request  of  a 
leading  man,  to  tell  them,  as  he  says,  'all  about  Jesus  Christ.' 
It  was  hoped  that  more  than  twenty  of  the  natives  have  been 
truly  converted." 

Li  the  colony,  seasons  of  revival  had  been  extensively  expe- 
rienced, especially  at  Caldwell.  "  I  am  told,"  says  a  female 
teacher  lately  arrived  at  INTonrovia,  "  that  at  Caldwell  there  has 
been  an  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  the  conversion  of 
about  forty  souls,  and  the  whole  society  here  seems  to  be  in  a 
very  prosperous  state  of  religion."  The  desire  for  knowledge 
at  Caldwell  and  New  Georgia,  was  intense.  "Brother  Brown, 
of  the  former  place,"  says  the  same  writer,  "  has  been  here 
since  our  arrival,  and  gave  a  heart-cheering  account  of  his 
school,  in  which  he  iias  about  eighty  scholars  advancing 
rapidly.  Many,  he  says,  who  began  with  the  alphabet  when 
he  commenced  teaching,  are  now  decent  readers  in  the  New 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONtZATION.  527 

Testament,  are  quite  good  writers,  and  are  studying  grammar, 
arithmetic,  &c.  He  said  he  could  have  many  more  native 
children  than  are  now  in  his  school,  if  he  could  support  them. 
The  parents  of  as  many  as  twenty  native  children  had  offered 
to  bind  them  to  him,  or  give  them  to  him  on  any  terms,  if  he 
would  only  take  them  under  his  instruction.  The  people  of  a 
native  town,  near  Caldwell,  are  extremely  anxious  for  teachers. 
A  native  town,  called  Jack's  Town,  near  Monrovia,  at  which 
brother  Seyes  had  visited,  and  taught  the  people,  is  advancing 
towards  Christianity  and  civilization,  insomuch  that  they  have 
renounced  their  'greegrees,'  and  refuse  to  buy  and  sell  on  the 
Sabbath."  Of  the  number  of  converted  natives,  some  of  them 
were  living  in  the  families  of  the  colonists,  and  had  been  trained 
to  the  knowledge  of  the  Christian's  God,  while  others  were 
''  right  out  of  the  bush." 

On  Sunday  the  19th  of  March,  the  large  house  erected  for 
the  use  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  at  Monrovia,  was 
opened  and  solemnly  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God. 
This  was  a  durable  and  spacious  edifice,  built  of  stone,  sixty- 
six  feet  long  and  fifty  broad,  made  capable  of  containing  nearly 
all  the  inhabitants  of  that  settlement.  At  Millsburgh,  the 
Methodist  church  had  increased,  this  year,  from  eleven  to 
sixty-three  members.  The  White  Plains  INIanual  Labour 
School,  near  this  settlement,  has  shared  in  the  blessings  of 
converting  grace.  One  of  the  native  boys  at  this  school,  re- 
ceived a  visit  from  his  father,  and  on  being  inquired  for  at  a 
certain  hour  of  the  day  to  go  to  work  with  the  other  boys, 
was  missing.  The  missionary  found  him  in  one  of  the  upper 
rooms  of  the  school  house,  anxiously  pleading  with  his  father, 
whom  he  had  carried  there,  to  "  look  for  the  American's  God, 
and  get  his  soul  converted  to  Christ." 

In  the  month  of  September,  a  public  meeting  was  held  by 
the  citizens  of  Monrovia,  for  the  purpose  of  declaring,  and 
making  known  to  the  world,  their  free  sentiments  and  opinions 
concerning  the  cause  of  African  Colonization.  This  interesting 
meeting  was  addressed  by  several  citizens  of  the  colony,  under 
a  deep  sense  of  obligation  to  the  Colonization  Society,  and  with 
an  enthusiasm  and  eloquence  worthy  of  the  cause  they  had 
assembled  to  promote.  Said  one,  "  I  arrived  in  Africa  on  the 
24th  of  May,  1823;  at  that  time  the  colony  was  involved  in  a 
savage  war;  immediately  I  had  to  shoulder  my  musket  and 


528  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

do  military  duty.  The  circnmstances  of  the  colony  were  try- 
ing in  the  extreme;  but  never  have  I  seen  the  moment,  when 
I  regretted  coming  to  the  colony.  My  object  in  coming  was 
liberty,  and  under  the  firm  conviction  that  Africa  is  the  only 
place,  in  existing  circumstances,  where  the  man  of  colour  can 
enjoy  the  inestimable  blessings  of  liberty  and  equality,  I  feel 
grateful  beyond  expression  to  the  American  Colonization  So- 
ciety, for  preparing  this  peaceful  asylum."  Said  another — 
"I  thank  God  that  ever  he  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  the  Colo- 
nization Society  to  seek  out  this  free  soil,  on  which  I  have  been 
so  honoured  to  set  my  feet.  I  and  my  family  were  born  in 
Charleston,  South  Carolina,  under  the  appellation  of  free  peo- 
ple; but  freedom  I  never  knew,  until,  by  the  benevolence  of 
this  society,  we  were  conveyed  to  the  shores  of  Africa.  My 
language  is  too  poor  to  express  the  gratitude  I  entertain 
towards  the  American  Colonization  Society."  Said  a  third — 
"I  came  to  Liberia  in  1832:  my  place  of  residence  was  the 
city  of  Washington,  District  of  Columbia,  where  I  passed  for  a 
freeman.  But  I  can  now  say  I  was  never  free  until  I  landed 
on  the  shores  of  Africa.  I  further  state,  that  Africa,  so  far  as 
I  am  acquainted  with  the  world,  is  the  only  place  where  the 
people  of  colour  can  enjoy  true  and  rational  liberty."  Said  a 
fourth — ''  I  beg  leave  to  state,  that  my  situation  is  greatly 
altered  for  the  better,  by  coming  to  Africa.  My  political 
knowledge  is  far  superior  to  what  it  would  have  been,  had  I 
remained  in  America  a  thousand  years.  I  therefore  seize  this 
chance,  to  present  my  thanks  to  the  American  Colonization 
Society  for  enabling  me  to  come  to  this  colony,  which  they 
have  so  benevolently  established."  The  following  resolutions, 
among  others  were  then  passed,  as  expressive  of  the  sense  of 
the  meeting: 

"  That  this  meeting  entertain  the  warmest  gratitude  for  what 
the  American  Colonization  Society  has  done  for  the  people  of 
colour,  and  for  us  particularly;  and  that  we  regard  the  scheme 
as  entitled  to  the  highest  confidence  of  every  man  of  colour: 
That  this  meeting  regard  the  colonization  institution  as  one 
of  the  highest,  holiest,  and  most  benevolent  enterprises  of  the 
present  day.  That  as  a  plan  for  the  melioration  of  the  condi- 
tion of  the  coloured  race,  it  takes  the  precedence  of  all  that 
have  been  presented  to  the  attention  of  the  modern  world: 
That  in  its  operations  it  is  peaceful  and  safe — in  its  tendencies 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  529 

beneficial  and  advantageous:  That  it  is  entitled  to  the  highest 
veneration,  and  unbounded  confidence  of  every  man  of  colour: 
That  what  it  has  already  accomplished  demands  our  devout 
thanks  and  gratitude  to  those  noble  and  disinterested  philan- 
thropists who  compose  it,  as  being  under  God,  the  greatest 
earthly  benefactors  of  a  despised  and  oppressed  portion  of  the 
human  family." 

"Whereas  it  lias  been  widely  and  maliciously  circulated 
in  the  United  States  of  America,  that  the  inhabitants  of  tliis 
colony  are  unhappy  in  their  condition,  and  anxious  to  return, — 
Resolved,  That  the  report  is  false  and  malicious,  and  originated 
only  in  design  to  injure  the  colony  by  calling  off"  the  support 
and  sympathy  ol'its  friends;  that  so  far  from  having  a  desire  to 
return,  we  should  regard  such  an  event  as  the  greatest  calamity 
that  could  befall  us." 

At  the  same  time  a  resolution  was  adopted  expressing  grati- 
tude to  the  benevolent  ladies  of  the  United  States,  particularly 
of  New  York,  Philadelphia,  and  Richmond,  for  their  efforts  to 
promote  education  in  the  colony,  and  testifying  to  the  pro- 
mising condition  of  the  schools  sustained  by  their  contributions. 
The  Manual  Labour  School,  incidentally  mentioned  above, 
was  established  by  the  JNIissionary  Society  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  It  was  located  at  Millsburg  on  a  spot  of 
singular  beauty,  salubrity  and  fertility,  under  the  care  of  the 
Rev.  B.  R.  Wilson,  and  denominated  the  White  Plains  Manual 
Labour  School,  in  honour  of  the  liberahty  of  individuals  in 
White  Plains,  New  York,  who  had  largely  assisted  to  found  it. 
By  the  plan  of  the  school,  from  thirty  to  fifty  orphan  or  desti- 
tule  children,  either  from  among  the  colonists  or  natives,  were 
to  receive  support  and  education.  These  children  are  to  be 
bound  until  they  are  twenty-one,  to  the  superintendent  of  the 
Liberia  Mission,  who  is  pledged  as  representative  of  the  Mis- 
sionary Society,  to  grant  them  ample  means  of  living  and  of 
instruction  in  letters  and  the  most  useful  arts. 

The  Rondoubt,  sailed  from  Wilmington,  North  Carolina,  on 
the  30th  of  December,  and  arrived  at  the  colony  on  the  4th  of 
February,  with  thirty-four  emigrants,  among  whom  were  Wil- 
liam Taylor,  a  young  coloured  physician,  educated  for  the 
medical  profession  under  the  direction  of  the  Board,  and  eigh- 
teen slaves,  liberated  by  Dr.  Shuman,  of  Stokes  county.  North 
Carolina,  for  whose  comfortable  settlement  in  the  colony,  he 
45 


530  HISTORY    OF  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

made  liberal  provision.  Dr.  David  Francis  Bacon,  recently- 
appointed  principal  colonial  physician,  also  took  passage  in  this 
vessel. 

It  was  found  after  the  Rondoiibt  had  been  chartered,  that 
her  accommodations  were  not  sufficient  to  carry  out  the  full 
number  that  had  been  appointed  to  her,  Lewis  Sheridan,  a 
free  man  of  colour  of  great  respectability,  and  an  interesting 
company  of  his  relatives  and  friends,  who  had  made  arrange- 
ment to  embark  in  her,  were  obliged  to  postpone  their  depar- 
ture to  a  more  favourable  opportunity.  Repeated  and  earnest 
eflbrts  were  subsequently  made  to  secure  a  passage  for  these 
persons,  in  other  vessels  to  the  colony,  but  without  success; 
and  the  managers,  unprepared  in  the  reduced  state  of  their 
resources  to  charter  a  vessel  exclusively  for  them,  finally 
assented  to  a  proposition  from  the  Pennsylvania  Society  to 
convey  them  to  the  settlement  at  Bassa  Cove. 

Dr.  Bacon  entered  immediately  upon  his  professional  duties. 
The  following  is  extracted  from  his  communication  to  the 
Board,  dated  February  15th: — "  I  found  the  colony  in  a  peace- 
ful, prosperous,  and  healthy  condition.  The  public  prosperitj'', 
and  general  comfort  have  been  greatly  promoted  under  the 
faithful  and  active  government  of  Mr.  Williams,  whose  business- 
like management  has  eflected  a  reform  in  affairs  that  has  given 
me  a  satisfaction  which  I  know  the  Board  and  all  the  friends 
of  the  colony  will  share,  on  perceiving  the  results  as  reported  by 
him  officially.  In  my  own  department  I  have  found  much  that 
required  active  attention;  for  although  there  is  not  a  single 
case  of  the  common  fever  in  the  colony,  (unless  at  Edina,  from 
which  I  have  not  yet  heard)  there  are  in  all  this  section,  be- 
sides a  few  light  cases  of  croup,  about  fifteen  or  twenty  cases 
of  chronic  disorders  resulting  from  debility,  mostly  in  old  broken 
down  constitutions,  which  have  been  long  suffering  for  want 
of  the  aid  of  a  regular  physician;  the  colony  having  been  left 
entirely  to  the  medical  assistants  ever  since  the  departure  of 
Dr.  Skinner  in  September. 

"The  people  in  general  I  believe  to  be  remarkably  quiet,  in- 
offensive and  peaceable,  more  so  than  in  any  part  of  the  United 
States  where  I  have  lived.  Ever  since  I  have  established  my- 
self on  shore,  all  have  continued  to  treat  me  with  the  greatest 
attention  and  kindness ;  and  since  beginning  my  business  here 
as  physician,  I  have  met  with  nothing  but  the  most  polite  and 


HISTORr    OF    AFRICAX    COLONIZATION.  531 

civil  usage.  INIy  medical  assistants  in  this  quarter,  Messrs. 
Front,  Brown,  and  Chase,  have  been  very  polite  and  attentive, 
and  have  promptly  pledged  themselves  to  become  active  and 
serviceable  to  the  colony  under  my  directions.  Dr.  McDowall 
left  your  service  long  since,  and  resides  wholly  at  Bassa  Cove." 

The  office  of  Governor  of  Liberia  was  unanimously  offered 
to  Captain  E.  A.  Hitchcock,  a  gentleman  from  whose  character 
and  energy,  great  advantages  were  anticipated.  Captain  Hitch- 
cock, however,  felt  constrained  to  decline  the  appointment.  In 
the  absence  of  the  chief  officer  from  the  colony,  its  affairs  had 
for  a  long  time  been  very  efficiently  administered  by  Mr.  An- 
thony D.  Williams,  Lieutenant-Governor,  and  in  a  manner 
highly  honourable  to  himself,  and  conducive  to  the  good  order 
and  general  prosperity  of  the  colony. 

The  policy  of  the  society,  to  which  it  was  driven  under  the 
pecuniary  difficulties  of  previous  years,  namely,  of  sending 
out  but  few  expeditions  yearly,  and  those  under  special  cir- 
cumstances only,  it  was  found  advisable  still  to  adhere  to. 
Whenever,  however,  emigrants  were  offered,  and  their  ex- 
penses defrayed  from  other  sources,  the  managers  rendered 
their  aid.  Two  very  interesting  instances  of  this  description 
occurred  during  this  year.  Mrs.  Rebecca  Smith,  widow  of  the 
late  John  Smith,  of  Sussex  county,  in  Virginia,  having  died, 
his  administrator  transmitted  to  the  society  a  copy  of  his  will. 
By  this  document  it  appeared  that  he  had  bequeathed  to  his 
wife  all  his  slaves  during  her  life ;  and  directed  that  after  her 
death  they  and  their  increase  should  be  emancipated  and  sent 
to  Liberia,  giving  to  each  of  them  a  supply  of  clothing  and 
one  year's  provision,  exclusive  of  provision  for  their  mainte- 
nance during  the  voyage.  The  testator  farther  directed  that 
the  expenses  of  removing  and  settling  them  should  be  de- 
frayed out  of  his  estate.  These  emigrants  were  fifty-nine  in 
number. 

In  July,  1833,  the  Rev.  John  Stockdell,  of  Madison  county, 
Virginia,  died,  having  by  will  emancipated  his  slaves,  thirty- 
one  in  number,  for  colonization  in  Liberia,  and  provided  means 
for  their  transfer  and  settlement.  The  title  of  these  slaves 
to  their  freedom  being,  however,  denied  by  some  of  Mr.  Stock- 
dell's  heirs,  they  found  it  necessary  to  assert  it  in  a  court  of 
justice;  and  after  considerable  litigation,  the  contest  was  ulti- 
mately decided  in  favour  of  the  slaves. 


532  HISTORY    OP   AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

These  emigrants,  through  the  kind  correspondence  of  Mr. 
Thomas  Potts,  administrator  of  Mr.  Smitii,  and  Colonel  James 
W.  Walker,  executor  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stockdell,  together  with 
a  few  others,  amounting  in  all  to  one  hundred,  embarked  on 
board  the  Emperor,  which  sailed  from  Norfolk  on  the  3d  of 
December.  The  gentleman  who  attended  to  their  enAarka- 
tion  says:  "These  emigrants  are  very  orderly  and  well  behaved, 
and  I  have  no  doubt  will  prove  to  be  amongst  the  most  indus- 
trious farmers  that  have  ever  been  sent  to  Africa.  They  went 
off  in  perfect  health  and  good  spirits."  The  same  vessel  bore 
as  a  passenger,  that  generous  and  devoted  friend  of  Africa,  Dr. 
Ezekiel  Skinner,  returning  to  the  scene  of  his  former  labours, 
trials,  and  sufferings,  ready  in  spirit,  if  need  be,  to  undergo  them 
all  again  for  the  sake  of  the  noble  cause  to  which  he  had  con- 
secrated his  life.  JNIiss  Mary  Skinner,  his  daughter,  accom- 
panied her  father,  to  assist  him  in  his  benevolent  labours,  and 
especially  to  take  and  preserve  drawings  of  the  plants  and 
other  interesting  objects  of  the  natural  history  of  Africa.  In 
the  same  vessel  also,  sailed  the  Rev.  Mr.  Barton,  a  missionary 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

In  the  month  of  January,  the  Mississippi  State  Colonization 
Society  resolved  to  proceed  in  their  enterprise  of  founding  on 
the  coast  of  Africa,  under  the  general  control  of  the  parent 
society,  a  colony  to  be  styled  "Mississippi  in  Africa,"  and  em- 
powered the  Rev.  R,  S.  Finley  to  obtain  donations  and  fit  out 
an  expedition  to  lay  the  foundations  of  this  new  colony.  A 
tract  of  land  had  been  purchased,  under  the  authority  of  the 
society,  by  the  late  Governor  of  Liberia,  Dr.  Skinner,  on  the 
western  bank  and  near  the  month  of  the  Sinou  river;  and  in 
the  month  of  April,  the  schooner  Oriental,  Captain  Richards, 
sailed  with  a  company  of  emigrants  from  New  Orleans,  under 
the  care  of  the  Rev.  I.  F.  C.  Finley,  as  Governor,  and  Dr.  I. 
L.  Blodgett,  Physician  and  Surgeon,  to  take  possession  of  that 
territory.  They  arrived  in  due  time  at  their  destination,  and 
commenced  the  n€\v  colony.  Forty-eight  of  the  emigrants  in 
the  INIississippi  expedition  were  slaves  who  had  been  emanci- 
pated, upon  condition  of  colonizing,  by  the  will  of  the  late 
Major  Nicholas  Edmiston,  of  Tennessee.  They  were  very 
generously  provisioned  for  the  voyage,  and  carried  with  them 
besides,  some  thousands  of  dollars.  In  the  same  company 
were  two  children  who  had  never  been  the  property  of  Major 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  533 

Edmiston.  Their  mother  had  been  a  servant  of  Colonel  R.  H. 
McEwen,  of  Nashville,  and  wished  to  be  sold  to  Major  Edmis- 
ton for  the  sake  of  being  in  the  same  family  with  her  husband. 
Major  Edmiston  readily  agreed  to  purchase  her,  but  declined 
taking  her  two  boys.  The  lads,  consequently,  remained  in  the 
family  of  Colonel  McEwen,  till  their  mother,  with  the  other 
servants  of  Major  Edmiston,  started  to  New  Orleans  on  their 
way  to  Africa.  At  the  mother's  request  her  sons  were  imme- 
diately emancipated  by  their  master,  furnished  with  clothing 
sufficient  for  two  years,  and  abundantly  provisioned  for  the 
voyage.  Nor  did  the  kindness  of  Colonel  McEwen  to  these 
lads  cease  here,  for  after  their  embarkation  for  Africa,  his  care 
followed  them  across  the  ocean,  with  a  solicitude  for  their  wel- 
fare, which  we  in  the  North,  whose  relations  to  the  black  man 
are  of  such  a  kind  that  we  can  never  come  "in  locum  paren- 
tis" towards  them,  can  hardly  understand.  The  State  Coloni- 
zation Society  of  Louisiana,  resolved  about  the  same  time,  to 
plant  a  similar  colony  in  Africa;  and  each  of  the  societies  de- 
termined to  raise  twenty  thousand  dollars  a  year  for  five  years, 
in  order  to  carry  out  efficiently  their  benevolent  designs.  As 
in  the  state  of  Virginia,  so  also  in  those  of  Mississippi  and 
Louisiana,  the  subject  of  colonization  was  now,  and  had  been 
for  some  time  previous,  attracting  especial  attention,  and  was 
receiving  munificent  donations  both  in  emancipated  slaves  and 
in  money. 

The  report  of  the  managers  of  the  Maryland  Society  for  the 
year  1837,  gives  an  encouraging  view  of  their  colony  at  Cape 
Palmas.  The  population  was  about  three  hundred;  and  mis- 
sionaries from  four  different  denominations  were  established 
there.  They  had  sent  out  in  all,  nine  expeditions.  Large  ac- 
quisitions of  territory  had  been  made,  and  the  State  Society  now 
owned  both  sides  of  the  river  Cavally,  from  its  mouth  to  the 
town  of  Dinah,  about  thirty  miles  from  the  ocean.  Full  provi- 
sions were  in  operation  for  the  education  of  the  colonists;  agri- 
culture pursued  as  of  vital  importance;  and  a  code  of  laws 
published  by  the  society,  well  adapted  to  promote  the  ends  of 
private  right  and  public  order  and  justice.  In  the  summer,  the 
brig  Baltimore  landed  fifty-five  emigrants  at  Cape  Palmas.  A 
majority  of  these  were  emancipated  by  the  will  of  Richard  Tub- 
man, Esq.,  of  Georgia,  on  condition  of  emigration,  and  ten  thou- 
sand dollars  bequeathed  to  the  society  for  the  expenses  of  their 
45* 


534  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

emigration  and  settlement.  They  were  of  good  character,  and 
were  experienced  cotton  planters.  Many  of  them  were  ac- 
quainted with  some  trade.  In  November  the  same  society  fitted 
out  anotiier  expedition  by  the  Niobe,  which  sailed  from  Balti- 
more with  eighty-six  emigrants.  In  the  same  vessel  the  Protes- 
tant Episcopal  Church  sent  out  three  missionaries,  the  Rev.  Mr, 
Payne,  and  wife,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Minor,  to  join  Mr.  Savage, 
who  was  at  the  head  of  their  establishment  at  Cape  Palmas. 
The  emigrants  by  the  Niobe  were  all  from  Maryland,  and 
nearly  all  of  them  persons  of  known  good  character,  who  had 
been  accustomed  to  labour,  and  left  America  under  the  convic- 
tion that  their  happiness  and  prosperity  in  Africa  were  only  to 
be  secured  by  persevering  industry,  and  not  expecting  exemp- 
tion from  the  toils  incident  to  early  settlers  in  a  new  country. 
It  had  been  the  wise  policy  of  the  Maryland  society  always  to 
send  out  men  of  well  known  industry,  and  by  keeping  general 
native  trade  in  the  hands  of  the  society,  to  make  agriculture  the 
main,  and  indeed,  except  in  the  case  of  mechanics,  the  sole  oc- 
cupation of  the  colonists. 

The  joint  societies  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  continued 
resolutely  and  successfully  to  prosecute  the  enterprise  at  Bassa 
Cove.  Portions  of  the  state  of  New  York,  and  especially  the 
city  of  New  York,  had  ever  been  active  in  the  cause,  and  that 
city  seemed  to  emulate  and  exceed  every  other,  in  devising 
plans  and  contributing  means,  for  its  promotion.  The  Char- 
lotte Harper  arrived  on  the  4lh  of  August,  at  Bassa  Cove,  with 
supplies  for  the  colony  to  the  amount  of  ten  thousand  dollars. 
The  passengers  in  this  vessel  were  the  Rev.  John  J.  Matthias, 
■who  had  been  appointed  Governor  of  the  colony,  and  his 
wife;  Dr.  Wesley  Johnson,  assistant  physician  to  the  colony, 
David  Thomas,  mill-wright,  Misses  Annesly,  Beers,  and  Wil- 
kins,  teachers,  and  Dr.  S.  Goheen,  physician  to  the  Methodist 
mission  at  Monrovia,  and  four  coloured  emigrants. 

The  thriving  settlement  of  Edina,  separated  by  the  St.  Johns 
river  from  that  of  Bassa  Cove,  was  this  5'^ear,  by  an  arrangement 
entered  into  between  the  American  Colonization  Society  and 
the  Pennsylvania  and  New  York  societies,  transferred  to  the 
latter  society,  the  people  of  Edina  consenting  thereto.  This 
was  a  favourable  arrangement  for  both  settlements,  as  it  united 
their  strength  and  identified  their  interest,  while  it  lessened  the 
expenses  of  their  government. 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  535 

Mrs.  Matthias  and  Miss  Annesly  both  died  in  a  few  months 
after  their  arrival  in  Africa,  and  within  two  or  tliree  days  of 
each  other.  These  pious  missionaries  were  intimately  attached 
to  each  other  in  America.  Together  they  consecrated  them- 
selves to  the  cause  of  Africa,  and  together  were  called  from  the 
field  which  they  had  barely  been  permitted  to  enter  and  survey. 

Under  date,  December  18,  1837,  Governor  Matthias  writes 
from  Bassa  Cove,  "  There  is  not  a  finer  climate  for  the  coloured 
man  in  the  world,  nor  a  soil  more  fertile.  It  is  now  summer. 
The  thermometer  for  the  month  past  has  ranged  from  seventy- 
nine  to  eighty-four,  and  the  season  will  continue  until  May, 
during  which  period  the  thermometer  will  not  rise  above  eighty- 
six. 

"Although  the  '■Watchman''  has  been  pleased  to  ridicule 
our  organization  as  a  republic,  nevertheless  we  are  a  State 
with  all  its  machinery.  The  editor  would  be  induced  to  change 
his  views,  were  he  to  see  our  well  dressed  and  disciplined 
troops,  and  their  management  of  arms.  I  should  venture  no- 
thing in  comparing  them  with  the  militia  any  where  at  home. 
And  our  courts  of  justice,  of  sessions,  and  the  supreme  court, 
the  clerks  and  sheriffs,  with  the  prosecuting  attorney,  with  great 
readiness  and  order  performing  their  respective  duties.  To 
see  members  of  council  gravely  deliberating  on  matters  of  in- 
terest to  the  commonwealth  and  good  government,  together 
with  merchants  transacting  their  business  with  skill  and  pro- 
priety, is  truly  astonishing,  considering  the  short  period  since 
our  organization.  Our  chief  clerk,  for  example,  one  of  the 
children  taken  by  the  enemy  in  Ashmun's  war,  and  restored 
after  a  detention  of  some  months,  besides  being  able  to  write  a 
beautiful  hand,  can  in  a  twinkling  cast  up  any  account  and 
make  calculations,  without  pen  or  pencil,  in  the  sale  of  articles, 
with  as  much  accuracy  as  any  of  your  merchants. 

"  I  am  preparing  to  go  up  the  St.  Johns,  to  hold  a  palaver 
with  six  or  eight  head-men  and  kings,  for  the  purchase  of  their 
country,  A  great  change  has  taken  place  among  them;  they 
seem  desirous  of  being  allied  to  us,  for  the  protection  of  them- 
selves against  each  other's  aggressions. 

"  We  have  now  as  fine  a  court-house  as  there  is  in  Liberia. 
Benson  has  finished  quite  an  elegant  house,  and  others  are 
labouring  not  only  to  stay  here,  but  to  live.  The  government 
house   is  nearly  finished.     We  have  laid  out  the  yard  into 


536  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

walks  and  grass  plats;  on  the  margin  of  the  walks  we  have 
planted  the  cotton-tree  and  papaw.  I  have  just  returned  from 
partaking  in  an  agricultural  dinner,  not  given  by  us  of  the  gov- 
ernment, but  by  the  farmers.  We  had  mutton,  fish,  and  fowl, 
and  a  superfluity  of  vegetables.  The  table  was  set  under  some 
palm  trees  in  Atlantic  street;  there  were,  I  should  judge,  about 
fifty  persons  present.  You  need  be  under  no  apprehensions  but 
that  farming  will  go  on.  We  mean  to  plant  the  coffee-tree 
throughout  our  farms. 

"  We  have  bought,  of  King  Yellow  Will,  a  large  tract  of 
beautiful  upland.  There  are  four  native  towns  on  it.  King 
Yellow  Will  is,  therefore,  considered  as  allied  to  us  by  the 
neighbouring  head-men  and  kings,  who  appear  to  be  jealous  of 
the  honour  and  determined  to  share  in  it.  They  have  sent  me 
word  that  they  would  sell  their  lands." 

"It  is  astonishing,"  says  the  late  Governor  Pinney,  "to  wit- 
ness the  influence  of  the  colonies  upon  the  natives.  The  natives 
look  upon  the  colonists  as  a  superior  race  of  beings,  because 
they  possess  a  knowledge  of  social  and  political  rights,  and 
enjoy  the  blessings  of  a  political  community,  reaping  the  re- 
ward of  their  own  industry  and  enterprise.  They  seek  to  gain 
from  them  all  the  knowledge  they  can,  placing  themselves 
under  the  influence  of  their  example  whenever  circumstances 
will  permit  them.  There  is,  perhaps,  as  much  difference  be- 
tween the  colonists  and  the  natives,  in  point  of  comparative 
intelligence,  as  there  is  between  the  whites  and  blacks  in  this 
country.  Upwards  of  fourteen  thousand  natives,  perfect  savages 
ten  years  ago,  have  been  brought  under  the  subduing  and 
benign  influence  of  the  colonies."  But  the  influence  of  the 
colony  operated  not  only  upon  the  black  man  in  its  own  neigh- 
bourhood. The  remarkable  case  of  the  "Rio  Expedition," 
though  so  lamentable  in  its  issue,  shows  that  the  example  of 
Liberia  had  begun  to  extend  its  influence  even  to  far  distant 
countries.  Some  time  in  the  month  of  August,  a  company  of 
two  or  three  hundred  blacks,  living  in  and  near  Rio  de  Janeiro, 
who,  by  their  industry  and  steady  perseverance  for  years,  had 
secured  their  freedom  and  acquired  a  considerable  amount  of 
property,  chartered  an  English  vessel  to  transport  themselves 
and  their  effects  to  Liberia,  which  they  had  heard  of  and  looked 
upon,  as  the  only  country  in  which  they  could  hope  to  enjoy, 
and  transmit  to  their  children,  their  dearly  purchased  freedom. 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  537 

This  interesting  company  left  the  scene  of  their  former  degra- 
dation and  suffering  with  high  hopes,  and  with  the  good  wishes 
of  many  friends,  whose  kind  interest  had  been  enhsted  in  their 
welfare.  It  is  painful  to  think  of  the  terrible  disappointment 
of  these  interesting  people.  Tlieir  fate  is  involved  in  mystery. 
Nothing  has  been  heard  of  them  since  their  embarkation,  and 
there  is  great  reason  to  suspect  that  the  captain  and  crew  of  the 
vessel  betrayed  them  again  into  slavery. 

Several  new  roads  were  this  year  laid  out  between  the  settle- 
ments, and  into  the  interior.  A  weekly  mail  was  established 
between  Eassa  Cove  and  Monrovia.  The  amount  of  revenue 
was  thirty-five  hundred  dollars,  and  the  amount  of  exports 
about  eighty  thousand  dollars.  The  state  of  society  continued 
to  be  orderly,  and  every  where  the  authority  of  law  was  strictly 
regarded.  The  editor  of  the  Liberia  Herald,  in  a  well  written 
address  to  his  patrons  at  the  commencement  of  an  editorial 
year,  after  lamenting  the  want  of  liveliness  in  the  articles  of 
his  paper,  and  assigning,  as  one  reason,  the  fact,  that  from  pres- 
sure of  business,  he  was  compelled  to  do  all  his  writing  late  at 
night,  thus  humorously  introduces  an  additional  reason,  explain- 
ing the  absence  of  piquancy  and  animation  in  his  editorials: 
"Another  most  unfortunate  circumstance,  incident  to  our  situa- 
tion, is  the  sameness  of  events;  the  tameness  with  which  things 
go  on  in  their  unbroken  course.  Here  are  no  striking  events 
with  which  to  vary  and  enliven  the  dull  and  monotonous  nar- 
ration of  ordinary  life.  No  mobs,  affording  columns  of  matter 
in  accounts  of  heads  broken,  houses  rifled,  magistrates  resisted, 
laws  defied,  or  any  other  of  those  brilliant  events  which  gene- 
rally mark  the  reign  of  mobocracy.  To  this  degree  of  refine- 
ment, at  least,  the  citizens  of  Liberia  have  not  as  yet  arrived." 
We  shall  close  the  history  of  the  year  1837,  with  some  ex- 
tracts from  the  letters  of  the  colonists  and  others,  containing, 
as  they  do,  the  opinions  and  statements  of  eye  witnesses,  and 
those  whose  practice  has  been  a  faithful  comment  upon  their 
belief. 

We  find  at  this  date  a  letter  of  Mr.  Samuel  Benedict,  a  man 
of  colour,  who  emigrated  in  1835,  from  the  state  of  Georgia. 
And  it  may  not  be  improper  to  remark  of  him,  that  he  was  a 
man  of  superior  mind.  Without  the  advantages  of  education, 
he  had  risen,  by  the  native  force  of  his  intellect,  to  a  very  con- 
siderable distinction  as  a  scholar;  by  his  industry,  he  had  accu- 


538  HISTORY   OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

mulated  a  competent  fortune,  and  by  his  integrity  had  secured 
the  confidence  of  all  who  knew  him.  It  may  afford  some 
knowledge  of  his  tastes  and  attainments,  to  state,  that  upon  his 
embarkation  for  Africa,  he  had  in  his  possession  a  library 
containing  such  books  as  Henry  and  Clarke's  Commentaries, 
Mosheim's  Ecclesiastical  History,  Rollin's  Ancient  History, 
Blackstone's  Commentaries,  with  a  collection  of  miscellaneous 
works  on  divinity,  medicine,  and  law.  He  thus  writes  from 
Liberia :  "  Instead  of  repenting  that  I  am  here,  although  I 
was  well  treated  in  Georgia,  I  would  not  return  to  live  in  the 
United  States  for  five  thousand  dollars.  There  is  scarcely  a 
thinking  person  here  but  would  feel  insulted,  if  you  should  talk 
to  him  about  returning.  The  people  are  now  turning  their 
attention  to  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  and  are  beginning  to  live 
within  their  own  means.  I  believe  that  a  more  moral  commu- 
nity is  no  where  to  be  found  than  in  Liberia;  and  I  never  saw 
more  religious  enjoyment  in  my  life.  I  hope  that  God  will  send 
us  good  inhabitants — men  of  piety,  and  intelligence,  and  pecu- 
niary means — This  is  all  that  we  want  to  render  us  a  happy 
republic." 

Says  Mr.  G.  S.  Brown,  who  went  out  as  a  teacher  with  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Seyes,  and  concerning  whom  the  New  York  Christian 
Advocate  remarks,  that  in  his  address  at  the  farewell  meeting 
held  in  Green  street,  he  highly  interested  the  people  by  the  sim- 
plicity of  his  manner,  and  the  amount  of  plain  good  sense  he 
displayed:  "Never  was  there  a  man  more  disappointed  of  one 
place,  than  I  am  of  Africa;  nor  were  there  ever  more  false- 
hoods told  of  one  place,  than  there  are  about  Africa;  for  you 
know,  sir,  that  it  is  a  common  proverb  in  America,  that  Africa 
is  a  'land  that  eateth  up  the  people.'  But  if  it  be  so,  then  there 
has  been  a  mighty  resurrection  of  late;  for  the  land  is  highly 
peopled  at  present.  I  have  been  here  four  months,  but  have 
not  attended  one  funeral  in  all  the  time — the  people  are  as 
healthy  here  as  they  are  in  America.  We  have  heard  it  said 
in  America  that  Africa  is  a  dry  and  barren  land.  But  the  fact 
is,  there  are  gallons  of  milk  pass  my  door  every  day,  and  I  get 
what  I  want.  Nor  have  I  seen  one  Anak  in  Africa,  but  the 
natives  bow  at  our  feet  as  if  lue  were  the  giants.  And  now,  if 
this  is  a  'land  that  eateth  up  the  people,'  I  think  it  must  be  well 
first  to  'eat  up'  some  of  the  sweet  potatoes,  plantains,  cassa- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  539 

das,  bananas,  beans,  and  cabbage,  &c.,  which  are  rotting  all 
around  us." 

We  have  also  of  the  present  date,  the  testimony  of  another 
individual,  giving  a  statement  of  things,  addressed  to  the  colo- 
nists themselves,  who  certainly  knew  whether  the  things  were 
so  or  not,  and  not  directed  to  a  third  party;  and  which,  from 
the  experience  of  the  author  in  the  practical  observation  of 
different  plans  of  colonization,  is  perhaps  one  of  the  most 
valuable  pieces  of  history  to  be  found  in  the  later  records  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society.  It  is  contained  in  a  letter 
addressed  to  the  editor  of  the  Liberia  Herald  by  W.  Hutton, 
Esq.  This  gentleman  was  the  agent  of  the  Western  African 
Company.  He  had  spent  twenty-seven  years  in  Africa,  had 
visited  nearly  all  the  settlements  on  the  coast,  and  in  many  of 
them  had  resided  for  several  years  at  a  time,  filling  ofhces  of 
high  trust  and  responsibility  under  the  British  govermnent. 
His  letter  is  dated,  Monrovia,  28th  October,  and  is  as  follows: 
"Permit  me,  sir,  as  an  humble  individual  visiting  your  colony, 
accidentally,  to  congratulate  you  and  its  respectable  inhabitants 
on  the  state  of  prosperity  and  happiness  which  you  now 
enjoy. 

"Having  arrived  in  Africa  twenty-seven  years  ago,  during 
which  period  I  have  either  visited  or  resided  at  most  of  the 
settlements  on  the  coast,  and  have  held  some  situations  of  im- 
portance under  the  British  government  in  this  country,  my 
humble  opinion  of  your  colony  may  perhaps  not  be  unworthy 
of  notice.  I  will  therefore  proceed  to  give  it  to  you  without 
flattery  or  embellishment. 

"Previously  to  my  landing  here,  I  had  expected  from  the 
reports  I  had  heard,  to  find  nothing  but  a  miserable  little  town, 
without  either  commerce  sufficient  to  detain  me  a  day,  or  an 
inhabitant  to  entertain  me  for  a  single  hour.  Judge  then,  sir, 
how  agreeably  disappointed  I  was  on  landing,  to  hear  the 
friendly  voices  of  the  inhabitants  inviting  me  to  walk  into  their 
hospitable  dwellings,  and  giving  me  assurances,  which  have 
since  been  realized,  of  barter  for  goods  to  the  amount  of  several 
hundred  pounds,  and  this  too  at  a  time  when  trade  had  long 
been  interrupted  by  wars  in  the  interior,  and  the  day  after  a 
French  vessel  had  carried  ofl^  nearly  ten  hundred  weight  of  ivory. 

"I  was  not  less  gratified  to  find  a  picturesque  and  pleasant 
little  town,  (fully  as  quiet,  and  not  greatly  dissimilar  to  an 


510  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

English  country  village,)  with  broad,  well  arranged  streets,  and 
good  substantial  houses,  many  of  them  built  of  stone,  with  glass 
windows,  and  the  apartments  large  and  convenient,  well  fur- 
nished, and  neatly  papered;  these  houses,  delightfully  situated 
on  an  eminence,  commanding  beautiful  views  of  the  sea,  and 
surrounding  country,  and  also  of  a  fine  river  extending  many 
miles  into  the  interior,  affording  every  facility  to  commerce, 
as  well  as  a  safe  and  convenient  harbour  for  vessels  of  from 
sixty  to  one  hundred  tons  burthen. 

"In  addition  to  these  advantages,  which  few  of  the  settle- 
ments on  the  coast  possess,  I  am  desirous  of  bringing  under  the 
notice  of  the  public,  the  temperature  of  the  climate,  the  excel- 
lency of  the  water,  and  the  fertility  of  the  soil.  In  your  gar- 
dens, which  are  in  good  order  and  well  enclosed,  I  have  ob- 
served fine  cabbages,  cucumbers,  parsley,  beans,  and  other 
vegetables,  as  well  as  the  most  delicious  fruits,  such  as  pine 
apples,  oranges,  grapes,  guavas,  sour-sops,  the  African  cherry, 
melons,  and  lemons, 

"I  must  also  do  the  inhabitants  the  justice  to  say,  that  they 
are  a  highly  respectable,  moral,  intelligent  people.  Their  su- 
perior intelligence,  indeed,  is  sufficiently  demonstrated  in  the 
columns  of  the  Liberia  Herald." 

The  colony  was  visited  this  year,  by  Captain  Nicholson  of 
the  United  States  ship  Potomac.  This  gentleman  was  under 
government  orders,  remained  some  time  at  the  colony,  and  was 
at  particular  pains  to  ascertain  its  true  condition  and  its  wants. 
As  this,  indeed,  was  his  official  duty,  in  as  far  as  any  portions 
of  the  colony  were  under  government  supervision,  he  would  of 
course  be  naturally  led  to  detect  whatever  defects  were  existing 
at  the  time.  His  presence  at  Liberia  is  thus  noticed  in  the 
Herald :  "  From  Captain  Nicholson  the  colony  has  received  con- 
siderable assistance  in  the  way  of  supplies.  He  seems  to  take 
a  deep  interest  in  the  colony,  and  has  been  at  no  small  pains  to 
obtain  an  account  of  the  true  state  of  affairs.  His  report  there- 
fore, will  be  of  importance  to  the  colony,  and  we  trust,  cheering 
to  its  friends."  We  shall  close  this  chapter  with  some  extracts 
from  that  report. 

"  United  States  ship  Potomac,  Rio. 
"  To  the  Honourable,  Sec.  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  we  arrived  at  Cape 
Mesurado  on  the  20th  November,  whence  we  sailed  for  Bassa 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  541 

Cove  on  the  27th,  and  to  make  the  following  report  of  its  state, 
as  far  as  I  could  ascertain  from  my  own  observations,  the 
reports  of  the  authorities  at  Monrovia,  and  the  information 
derived  from  the  officers  of  the  ship. 

"Its  elevated  location  was  selected  with  judgment;  it  may- 
be effectually  fortified,  and  its  anchorage  is  good.  The  popu- 
lation is  about  one  thousand,  and  their  exports  amount  to 
seventy-five  thousand  dollars  annually,  in  camwood,  ivory, 
palm  oil,  and  a  few  hides;  but  at  present  their  trade  is  much 
depressed  in  consequence  of  the  wars  among  the  natives.  The 
forests  abound  with  medicinal  herbs,  gums,  and  valuable  wood 
of  almost  every  description.  About  seventy  vessels  touch  there 
annually,  of  which  one  third  are  Americans.  Cotton,  coffee, 
indigo,  and  the  richest  sugar-cane,  are  indigenous  to  the  soil, 
and  with  encouragement  and  industry,  could  be  procured  in 
any  quantities.  The  salubrity  of  the  climate  is  found  to  in- 
crease, as  the  forests  are  cleared  away.  Vegetables  of  many 
kinds  may  be  raised  in  plenty;  and  hogs,  sheep,  goats,  and  cows, 
appear  to  thrive.  Fish  in  abundance  are  found  in  the  streams, 
and  it  is  generally  admitted  that  a  very  comfortable  subsistence 
can  be  procured  by  any  man  of  moderately  industrious  habits. 
It  is  important  that  a  greater  proportion  of  farmers  be  sent 
among  them,  for  on  the  product  of  the  soil  by  their  own  labour 
must  the  settlers  mainly  depend.  The  settlement  of  New  Geor- 
gia is  certainly  in  advance  of  the  others  in  agriculture.  The 
schools  at  the  settlements  are  generally  well  attended;  the  chil- 
dren make  very  good  progress.  The  morals  of  the  upper  set- 
tlements generally  stand  fair.  We  arrived  at  Bassa  Cove  on 
the  29th  November,  and  I  have  great  pleasure  in  saying,  that 
those  who  visited  the  shore  were  agreeably  surprised  at  the 
progress  that  had  been  made  in  clearing  away  the  land,  laying 
out  streets,  draining  a  piece  of  low  ground,  and  building  houses, 
as  well  for  the  actual  settlers,  as  for  those  who  are  expected. 
The  commissioner,  Mr.  Buchanan,  deserves  more  praise  than 
my  report  may  confer  upon  him,  for  liaving  re-established  this 
settlement.  Eleven  months  only  have  elapsed  since  Bassa  Cove 
was  a  dense  wilderness,  and  it  now  exhibits  the  evidence  of  a 
thriving  village,  and  of  an  industrious  people,  obedient  to  the 
laws,  and  imderstanding  their  interests  in  maintaining  them. 
The  schools  appear  to  be  well  attended  by  adults  and  children, 
of  which  the  necessary  good  effects  will  be  felt  in  their  moral 
46 


542  HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

influence  over  the  natives.  The  population  of  Bassa  Cove  ia 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  souls,  occupying  forty  dwelling 
houses,  effectually  defended  by  well  placed  pieces  of  artillery. 
The  good  understanding  with  the  natives  had  been  occasionally 
interrupted  by  the  influence  of  the  slavers;  but  on  the  appearance 
of  this  ship  all  difterences  were  settled  by  a  treaty  between  Mr. 
Buchanan  and  the  neighbouring  Princes,  or  Headmen,  obliging 
themselves  to  renounce  the  slave  trade  for  ever,  and  to  be  obe- 
dient to  the  laws  of  tlie  colony,  as  far  as  applicable  to  their  con- 
dition. The  colonists  at  Cape  Palmas  appear  to  have  profited 
by  the  wars  of  the  older  colonists,  in  avoiding  as  yet  all  trade 
with  the  natives  of  the  interior,  and  devoting  their  whole  ener- 
gies to  agriculture.  They  have  already  in  cultivation  forty- 
seven  farms,  generally  of  five  acres,  on  most  of  which  the  pro- 
prietors reside;  and  a  model  farm  of  fifty  acres  partly  under 
cultivation.  There  are  two  native  towns,  of  two  thousand  in- 
habitants, between  Harper  and  the  Farms,  under  the  command 
of  King  Freeman;  but  the  colonists  appear  to  be  on  very  good 
terms  with  all  the  kings  and  people  of  the  neighbourhood,  and 
I  cannot  refrain  from  expressing  my  agreeable  surprise  at  the 
evidence  of  industry  and  foresight  that  was  exhibited  through- 
out the  settlements.  The  ship  was  visited  by  King  Freeman 
and  King  War;  the  latter  is  at  the  head  of  a  powerful  tribe  in 
the  interior.  They  were  so  much  astonished  at  her  size,  that 
for  want  of  language  to  convey  their  impressions  to  their  friends, 
they  measured  her  length  and  breadth  with  fishing  lines.  The 
only  missionary  establishment  I  had  an  opportunity  of  visiting 
was  that  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson,  who  has  about  one  hundred 
of  the  native  children  of  different  towns  under  his  charge,  and 
a  few  adults.  I  was  pleased  at  the  correctness  with  which 
many  of  them  read  from  English  books;  and  as  some  of  them 
are  the  sons  of  kings,  and  may  be  kings  themselves  in  time,  it 
is  impossible  to  foresee  the  happy  effect  upon  the  civilization  of 
the  Africans,  that  may  be  produced  by  this  school.  The  res- 
pective colonies  being  much  in  want  of  arms,  ammunition,  &c., 
for  their  defence,  received  from  this  ship  in  accordance  with  the 
instructions  from  the  Department,  all  the  aid  that  their  circum- 
stances seemed  to  require.  I  would  further  say,  that  the  colo- 
nies have  now  taken  firm  root  in  the  soil  of  Africa ;  and  though 
they  may  be  depressed  at  times  by  adversity,  yet  by  the  gra- 
dual development  of  their  resources,  and  the  judicious  assistance 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  543 

of  their  friends,  they  must  finally  flourish,  to  be  an  asylum  to 
the  coloured  man,  and  an  honour  to  their  founders." 

By  an  authentic  document  in  the  nature  of  a  report  rendered 
this  year  to  the  "  Boston  Union  for  the  Relief  and  Improvement 
of  the  Coloured  Race,"  we  are  enabled  to  run  a  statistical  pa- 
rallel between  the  people  of  the  colony  of  Liberia,  in  Africa, 
and  the  free  people  of  colour  in  the  city  of  Boston,  in  America. 
In  Liberia  more  than  one  in  every  four  of  the  inhabitants  are 
church-members;  in  Boston,  less  than  one  in  every  seven  of  the 
coloured  people  are  church-members.  In  Liberia  there  are  five 
hundred  and  eighty  pledged  members  of  temperance  societies; 
in  Boston  there  is  not  one,  as  appears  from  the  tabular  view. 
In  Liberia  every  child  of  sufficient  age  of  the  families  of  the 
colonists,  was  at  regular  school.  In  Boston  the  proportion  was 
so  small  and  so  uncertain  as  to  be  really  not  comparable.  In 
Boston  a  primary  school  for  coloured  children  had  to  be  discon- 
tinued for  want  of  scholars.  In  Liberia  fifteen  schools  could 
not  satisfy  the  people,  clamorous  for  the  education  of  themselves 
and  their  offspring.  In  Liberia  the  inhabitants  support,  both  by 
their  pecuniary  and  by  their  literary  contributions,  an  ably  con- 
ducted paper — they  can  not  only  generally  read,  but  can  general* 
]y  write  and  compose  in  a  correct  and  manly  style,  as  our  quo- 
tations therefrom  abundantly  testify.  In  Boston  scarcely  any  of 
the  adults  were  able  to  read,  "and  of  children  so  reported  some 
discount  must  be  made."  In  Boston  "a  majority  of  all  classes 
of  them  attend  public  worship  very  irregularly."  In  Liberia 
the  people  are  a  "  peculiarly  church-going  people,  nor  could  love 
or  money  influence  any  of  them  to  labour  on  the  Sabbath." 
The  coloured  population  in  Boston  had  decreased  one  hundred 
and  eighteen  within  the  last  five  years,  and  the  proportion  of 
immarried  persons  was  truly  appalling,  if  the  canons  of  political 
economy  on  this  point  be  true,  and  we  have  the  right  thereby 
to  infer  the  moral  conduion  of  the  people.  The  additions  to  the 
census  in  Liberia,  apart  from  emigration,  have  been  more  than 
sufficient  to  supply  the  losses  by  death,  taking  into  account  even 
the  unusual  early  mortality  by  war  and  fever,  and  no  tabular 
view  of  the  population  has  ever  yet  indicated  any  thing  but  a 
healthy  and  harmonious  state  of  society  among  them.  If 
figures,  therefore,  are  proper  data  upon  which  to  form  a  con- 
clusion, surely  no  candid  mind  could  hesitate  long  to  decide 
in  the  light  of  the  above  illustration,  which  state  of  things  in 


544  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

the  comparison,  is  most  favourable  to  the  development  of  the 
social,  moral,  and  political  condition  of  the  African  race. 

In  a  reported  speech  of  a  gentleman  connected  with  the 
Maryland  Colonization  Society,  we  find  a  more  particular  ac- 
count of  the  origin  and  circumstances  of  Simleh  Balla's  visit  to 
this  country,  than  that  contained  in  the  last  chapter,  and  as  it 
contains  some  special  colonization  history,  and  is  interesting  on 
other  accounts,  we  will  gratify  the  reader  by  the  following  ex- 
tract. "Simleh  Balla  was  the  head  man,  or  chief  warrior  of 
King  Freeman,  one  of  the  most  powerful,  sagacious,  and  artful 
kings  in  all  the  region  of  the  coast  of  Africa.  Of  this  king, 
the  Maryland  Colonization  Society  purchased  a  part  of  the 
territory  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  now  called  Maryland  in  Libe- 
ria. This  purchase  was  effected  at  a  very  dear  rate,  according 
to  King  Freeman's  estimate  of  such  matters,  though  in  truth 
on  very  reasonable  terms.  The  first  condition  he  made  in  his 
terms  of  sale  was  twenty  puncheons  of  rum.  This  condition, 
however,  was  firmly  resisted  by  the  agents  of  the  society,  and 
King  Freeman  was  not  only  induced  to  abandon  it  on  the 
ground  that  the  society  could  not  traffic  in  so  ruinous  an  article, 
but  was  prevailed  on  to  discontinue  the  use  of  it  among  his 
people.  The  value  of  this  article  was  fully  made  up  in  things 
more  serviceable  to  the  king  and  his  people,  and  the  purchase 
effected.  It  was  obvious,  however,  that  the  king  had  been 
induced  in  his  own  mind  to  make  this  sale  of  his  territory,  with 
the  hope  of  aggrandizing  his  kingdom  from  the  superior  wealth 
and  intelligence  of  the  colonists.  But  it  was  not  long  before 
feelings  of  a  diff'erent  character  began  to  mingle  with  his  reflec- 
tions, and  give  direction  to  his  purposes.  The  superior  intelli- 
gence of  the  colonists,  which  first  inspired  him  with  a  desire  to 
make  them  his  neighbours,  from  a  view  to  his  own  profit, 
began  now  to  assume  a  diff'erent  aspect,  and  excite  in  him  a 
fear  that  all  this  appearance  of  honesty  and  benevolence  on  the 
part  of  the  colonists,  might  only  be  with  the  ultimate  view  of 
supplanting  him  in  his  kingdom.  The  anxiety  of  his  mind, 
under  these  corroding  reflections,  may  well  be  imagined.  He 
anxiously  sought  to  ascertain  the  truth  with  regard  to  the 
motives  of  the  colonization  enterprise,  and  the  real  object  in 
seeking  to  be  neighbours  to  him.  Why  come  so  far?  was  a 
question  full  of  interest  to  him.  He  listened  with  profound 
attention  to  every  explanation  of  this   matter  that  £ould  be 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  545 

given.  He  heard  with  peculiar  interest  the  accounts  of  Ame- 
rica; the  wisdom  and  power  of  the  nation,  the  splendour  of 
their  buildings,  and  tlie  magnificence  of  their  public  works  in 
general,  and,  above  all,  the  kindness  of  the  people  in  sending 
back  the  Africans  to  the  land  of  their  fathers.  These  relations 
affected  the  king  sensibly,  but  could  not  quiet  his  alarm,  and 
only  subjected  his  mind  to  still  more  painful  alternations.  In 
this  state  of  mind,  conversing  freely  on  one  occasion  with  his 
chief  warrior,  he  said  to  him,  "Balla,  'pose  you  go  to  'Merica — 
you  got  my  eyes — you  got  my  mout — you  got  my  ears.  You 
see — you  'peak — you  hear  for  me,  you  come  back,  tell  me. 
What  you  see,  I  see — what  you  'peak,  I  'peak — what  you 
hear,  I  hear.  Den,  all  these  things  we  hear  be  true,  we  be  all 
'Mericans — have  'Merica  book,  and  all  be  good  like  dem."  To 
this,  according  to  Balla's  own  account  of  it,  he  said,  "I  go." 
His  particular  friends,  and  especially  his  four  wives,  vehemently 
beset  him  to  relinquish  his  purpose  for  fear  of  being  murdered 
in  America.  To  them  he  replied,  "I  go  if  I  die."  Balla  is 
described  as  beitig  physically  among  the  finest  specimens  of 
man — large,  full,  and  just  proportions  of  body — free,  open,  and 
intelligent  countenance,  with  a  quick,  penetrating  eye,  and  alert 
manner  of  moving  his  head — as  altogether  a  man  of  remarkable 
physical  presence.  He  spoke  in  Baltimore,  in  broken  English, 
receiving  ideas  with  great  rapidity,  and  making  such  improve- 
ment as  indicated  a  very  superior  order  of  intelligence.  The 
first  sight  of  the  city  was  confounding,  and  when  he  viewed  it 
from  the  top  of  the  monument,  he  was  overwhelmed  with  emo- 
tion, and  exclaimed,  "Man  no  make  all  dis,  God  make  him." 
His  impressions  on  receiving  the  first  correct  ideas  of  God  and 
the  Bible,  were  remarkably  natural  and  striking.  His  attention 
while  one  was  attempting  to  convey  to  his  mind  an  idea  of  the 
power  and  majesty  of  God,  was  intense.  "Hah!"  said  he, 
"does  God  'peak  to  you  in  dat  book — let  me  hear  him,"  He 
listened  with  an  interest  deep  and  profound,  and  at  last  made 
an  exclamation  which  cannot  be  reduced  to  language,  after 
which  he  asked  this  pertinent  question — "  Why  he  no  send 
African  man  dat  book  too?" 


46' 


546  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 


CHAPTER    XXXI 


THE  COLONY  IN  1838. 


At  the  twenty-second  annual  meeting  of  the  society,  held  at 
Washington  in  December,  1837,  the  Hon.  James  Garland,  Esq., 
of  Virginia,  addressed  the  meeting  in  an  eloquent  speech,  of 
which  the  following  extract  contains  the  prefatory  remarks. 
"  Mr.  President- — I  come  from  a  sLiveholding  State,  and  from  the 
midst  of  a  slaveholding  people.  I  was  once  a  member  of  a 
colonization  society  auxihary  to  this.  I  was  its  warm  friend  and 
ardent  advocate,  until  the  fanatical  spirit  of  the  Northern  aboli- 
tionists manifested  itself  in  a  tone  and  in  a  strength,  which 
threatened  the  personal  security,  as  well  as  the  rights  of  property, 
of  the  Southern  people.  I  then  became  jealous  ;  I  strongly  sus- 
pected that  this  society,  looking  beyond  its  professed  objects, 
was  secretly  abetting  the  schemes  of  these  fanatical  crusaders, 
and  encouraging  them  in  their  warfare  upon  the  institutions 
and  domestic  rights  of  the  South.  With  these  suspicions  I 
came  here  to  be  a  spectator — a  spectator,  did  I  say  ? — not  a 
spectator  only,  but  a  close  observer  of  your  operations,  that  I 
might  determine  for  myself,  whether  or  not  my  jealousy  was 
justified  by  your  proceedings,  and  whether  my  suspicions  were 
well-founded  in  fact.  The  noble  and  patriotic  sentiments  I  have 
heard  advanced  upon  this  occasion,  both  at  the  meeting  last 
evening,  and  at  this,  by  many  gentlemen  of  tlie  North,  who 
are  supporters  and  members  of  your  society;  the  determined 
spirit  which  they  evince,  to  defend  the  constitutional  rights  and 
domestic  institutions  of  the  South  against  lawless  and  fanatical 
violence,  satisfy  me  that  my  jealousy  and  my  suspicions  were 
unjust,  being  unfounded  in  point  of  fact.  I  take  pleasure  in 
repairing  the  injury  which  I  have  done  the  society.  I  feel 
entirely  convinced,  that  the  only  object  of  the  society  is  that 
which  it  professes — the  colonization  of  the  free  people  of  colour 
in  Africa — an  object  which  the  philanthropists  of  the  North 
and  South  may  cordially  unite  in  promoting.     And  I  now  con- 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  547 

fess,  that  the  only  feeling  of  regret  which  I  experience,  is  that 
of  seeing  not  one  Southern  citizen  participating  in  the  delibera- 
tions of  the  society,  except  yourself,  sir." 

Not  only  had  the  virulence  of  abolition-hostility  to  coloniza- 
tion, which  broke  out  anew  at  this  period,  thus  brought  the  so- 
ciety into  disparagement  at  the  South,  but  it  had  also  obstructed 
its  progress  at  the  North;  and  the  Board,  in  their  report  of  this 
year,  lament  the  embarrassed  condition  of  their  finances,  and 
state  that  these,  and  otlier  causes,  had  reduced  the  receipts  into 
the  treasury,  since  the  last  annual  meeting,  much  below  those 
of  several  former  years.  In  these  circumstances,  the  society 
deemed  it  advisable  to  direct  their  whole  energies  to  the  labour 
of  restoring  the  altered  state  of  their  finances.  Accordingly  no 
emigrants  were  sent  to  the  colony  during  the  year  183S,  by  the 
parent  society. 

Early  in  the  present  year,  the  managers  consulted  with  many 
enlightened  friends  of  colonization,  who  were  members  of  Con- 
gress, then  in  session,  on  the  exigencies  of  the  cause,  and  on  the 
adoption  of  measures  for  its  advancement.  Several  public  meet- 
ings in  the  national  metropolis  were,  in  consequence,  held,  and 
an  address  to  the  people  of  the  United  States,  signed  by  many 
distinguished  senators  and  representatives  from  different  sec- 
tions of  the  Union,  inviting  aid  to  the  society,  and  assigning  in 
brief  but  emphatic  terms  the  reasons  of  the  invitation,  was 
extensively  circulated.  An  appeal,  emanating  from  sources  so 
high  in  public  confidence,  could  not  fail  to  produce  salutary 
results.  But  these  were  perceptible  chiefly  in  an  awakened 
interest  throughout  the  United  States,  in  the  objects  of  the  in- 
stitution, and  a  disposition  in  quarters  hitherto  unfriendly,  to 
hsten  to  arguments  in  its  behalf.  The  immediate  pecuniary 
result  was  confined  to  the  District  of  Columbia ;  and,  though 
highly  honourable  to  the  patriotism  and  generosity  of  the  con- 
tributors, was,  of  course,  inadequate  as  a  measure  of  relief  from 
existing  difficulties.  That  extensive  benefit,  in  this  respect, 
would  have  speedily  ensued,  had  competent  agents  been  de- 
spatched to  the  several  States,  was  quite  apparent.  Vigorous 
and  persevering  efforts  were  accordingly  made,  as  there  had  often 
before  been,  to  obtain  such  agents ;  in  every  instance  the  com- 
pensation offered  was  as  liberal  as  the  nature  of  the  service, 
and  the  condition  of  the  society  justified;  and  in  a  few  cases  it 
was  deemed  judicious  to  propose  extraordinary  inducements,  in 


548  HISTOUY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

order  to  attract  to  the  service  of  the  cause,  talents  and  influence, 
of  which  the  value  had  been  tested  in  other  situations.  These 
overtures  were  met  generally  by  hesitation ;  sometimes  by  rejec- 
tion; and  yet  oftener,  after  a  partial  acceptance,  they  were  ulti- 
mately dechned  ;  an  indecision  which  accumulated  embarrass- 
ments on  the  action  of  the  Board. 

At  this  critical  juncture  in  the  affairs  of  the  society,  the  cause 
found  a  friend  and  benefactor  in  Judge  Samuel  Wilkinson,  of 
Buffalo,  in  New  York.  This  gentleman  generously  volunteered 
his  personal  services  and  aid  to  the  Board  to  help  them  to  ex- 
tricate the  society  from  its  pressing  embarrassments.  He  nobly 
offered  to  take  the  personal  superintendence  of  its  pecuniary 
concerns,  and  went  so  far  as  to  pledge  a  portion  of  his  own 
property  as  security  for  his  fidelity.  Judge  Wilkinson  was 
accordingly  appointed  general  agent  of  the  society  for  the  whole 
Union,  with  authority,  under  instructions  from  the  Board,  to 
commission,  instruct,  or  remove  such  agents  as  he  might  deem 
necessary ;  to  fix  the  amount  and  the  mode  of  their  compensa- 
tion ;  to  receive  and  apply  to  the  payment  of  the  debts  of  the 
society,  the  sums  which  might  be  collected  by  himself,  or  the 
agents  of  his  appointment;  and  to  adopt  and  execute  such  other 
measures  in  aid  of  the  great  object  of  the  society,  as  he  might 
deem  expedient;  it  being  understood  that  he  should  keep  the 
Board  regularly  and  fully  informed  of  his  proceedings.  Doubts 
existed  as  to  the  competency  of  the  Board  to  delegate  such 
essential  portions  of  the  trust  which  had  been  confided  to  them  ; 
but  a  crisis  was  believed  to  have  arrived  which  necessitated, 
and  therefore  justified,  measures  of  unusual  strength.  Repre- 
sentations of  Judge  Wilkinson's  high  character  for  integrity,  of 
his  energy  and  ability  as  a  man  of  business,  of  his  extensive 
acquaintance  throughout  the  Union,  and  of  his  disposition  to 
make  extraordinary  personal  sacrifices  in  behalf  of  the  cause, 
determined  the  Board,  that  if  so  liberal  a  confidence  could  pro- 
perly be  reposed  in  any  individual,  a  fitter  depositary  of  it  could 
no  where  be  found.  Judge  Wilkinson  accepted  the  appointment, 
declining  any  compensation  for  his  services,  and  promptly  pro- 
ceeded to  the  execution  of  his  duties.* 

Before   Judge    Wilkinson    accepted   this    appointment,   he 
had  conceived  a  plan  whereby  he   hoped  fully  to   test  the 

*  Annual  Report,  January,  1839,  Vol.  XV.  African  Repository. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  549 

capability  of  black  men  for  independent  exertion  and  self-re- 
liance, in  the  conducting  and  management  of  enterprises,  and 
at  the  same  time  to  make  this  a  means  of  educating  them  to 
these  qualities.  He  proposed  to  raise  subscriptions  for  the  pur- 
chase of  a  ship,  to  be  manned  entirely  with  black  men,  and  to 
ply  as  a  packet  between  Liberia  and  this  country.  "  The  first 
idea  of  tins  project,"  says  he,  "  was  suggested  to  me  by  observ- 
ing that  few  coloured  men  in  any  section  of  our  country  are  prose- 
cuting any  extensive  business,  but  they  are  generally  engaged 
in  subordinate  capacities,  and  in  performing  the  most  menial 
services.  Feeling  a  great  desire  for  the  elevation  of  the  coloured 
man,  I  embraced  every  opportunity  afforded  by  several  visits 
to  the  Southern  and  South-western  States  of  making  myself 
acquainted  with  the  condition  of  both  slaves  and  free  people  of 
colour,  and  their  susceptibility  of  elevation  in  this  country.  I 
found  among  the  slaves  as  skilful  mechanics  as  our  country 
affords.  The  Dover  Iron  Works,  among  the  most  extensive  in 
America,  are  carried  on  by  slaves,  from  digging  the  ore,  and 
cutting  the  wood  for  coal,  to  refining  the  iron,  and  rolling  it  into 
bars  and  plates,  and  the  extensive  and  complicated  machinery 
kept  in  the  most  perfect  order.  The  mechanic  labour  on  the 
plantations  in  the  Southern  States  is  usually  performed  by 
slaves.  They  are  in  fact  the  blacksmiths,  carpenters,  masons, 
weavers,  and  shoemakers,  of  the  country,  and  their  work  is  per- 
formed with  skill  and  expedition.  I  am  satisfied  that  the  co- 
loured man  is  as  capable  of  acquiring  trades  as  the  white  man, 
and  that  the  reason  he  is  so  seldom  found  in  the  Middle  and 
Eastern  States  carrying  on  mechanic  business,  is  not  for  want 
of  ability  to  acquire  the  knowledge  and  skill,  but  on  account  of 
the  difliculties  and  discouragements  incident  to  his  condition, 
and  which  are  alike  applicable  to  all  coloured  men  who  seek  to 
elevate  themselves  in  this  country.  The  merchant  will  not 
employ  them  as  clerks;  the  mechanic  will  not  employ  them  as 
journeymen;  should  he  perchance  find  such  employment,  he 
applies  for  board  and  is  refused — other  workmen  will  not  eat 
with  him;  thus  he  meets  at  the  very  outset  in  life  with  difficul- 
ties which  he  cannot  surmount.  He  may  have  education,  and 
mechanic  skill;  of  what  avail  are  they  so  long  as  neither  can 
be  profitably  employed?  He  has  no  one  to  take  him  by  the 
hand  and  help  him  onward — his  heart  sinks  with  discourage- 
ment— he  must  either  steal,  beg,  or  accept  of  menial  employ- 


550  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

ment — and  instead  of  being  surprised  that  so  great  a  majority- 
are  thus  employed,  it  is  a  wonder  that  more  are  not  vagabonds. 
It  may  be  said  that  all  these  difficulties  proceed  from  the  wicked 
prejudices  of  a  wicked  world — be  it  so — their  effects  on  the 
coloured  man  are  none  the  less  calamitous,  and  ages  may  roll 
away  before  these  prejudices  are  corrected,  and  generations  of 
coloured  men  may  pass  away  to  the  grave,  while  their  pro- 
fessed friends  are  setting  the  world  right.  My  project  ofters 
present  relief." 

This  project  was  submitted  to  the  Board  at  their  annual 
meeting  in  1838.  A  vessel  was  to  be  purchased,  to  be  sold  to 
such  free  persons  of  colour  as  would  agree  to  man  her  with 
coloured  seamen,  and  navigate  her  as  a  regular  packet  be- 
tween the  United  States  and  Liberia ;  and  payment  was  to  be 
made  by  the  conveyance  in  her  of  emigrants  from  tliis  country 
to  the  colonial  settlements  in  Africa.  The  plan  was  received 
with  general  and  warm  approbation.  It  was  received  with 
signal  marks  of  favour  at  the  North,  where  it  was  formally  re- 
commended to  the  public,  in  an  address,  signed  by  distinguished 
Christians,  philanthropists,  and  business  men.  Subscriptions  to 
the  amount  of  forty-four  hundred  dollars  were  speedily  sent  in; 
three  thousand  dollars  by  the  New  York  Colonization  Society, 
one  thousand  dollars  by  the  New  Jersey  State  Colonization  So- 
ciety, and  four  hundred  dollars  by  individuals.  On  his  own 
private  responsibility,  generously  pledged,  Judge  Wilkinson  im- 
mediately purchased  for  six  thousand  dollars,  the  ship  Saluda, 
of  three  hundred  and  eighty-four  tons  burthen,  a  fast  sailer,  in 
good  order,  with  accommodations  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  pas- 
sengers, and  well  adapted  to  run  as  a  packet-ship  to  Liberia. 

Elliott  Cresson,  Esq.,  ever  the  ardent  friend  of  African  colo- 
nization, and  already  the  liberal  benefactor  of  the  society,  both 
by  his  pecuniary  contributions  and  his  gratuitous  services  in 
Great  Britain,  felt  himself  impelled  by  the  urgent  necessities  of 
the  cause,  again  to  enter  the  field.  This  gentleman  now  visited 
New  England,  and  was  every  where  well  received;  and  met 
with  considerable  success  in  raising  funds,  but  more  in  arousing 
the  spirit  of  colonization,  which  in  those  regions  had  become 
dormant. 

The  secretary  of  the  society  was  also  active  in  promoting 
the  good  cause  in  the  Eastern  States;  and  from  the  success  of 
these  efforts,  it  was  rendered  manifest,  that  all  that  was  neces- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  551 

sary  to  collect  funds  in  abundance,  was  to  have  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  good  agents  in  the  field. 

In  New  Jersey,  a  new  impetus  was  given  to  colonization, 
by  a  convention  of  delegates  from  different  parts  of  the  State, 
which  met  at  Trenton,  established  a  State  Colonization  So- 
ciety, and  adopted  various  measures  for  promoting  the  cause, 
which  were  attended  with  signal  success.  That  success  is  to 
be  attributed,  in  part,  to  the  able  and  indefatigable  labours  of 
William  Halsey,  Esq.,  who  at  considerable  personal  sacrifice, 
withdrew  from  the  practice  of  a  lucrative  profession,  and  de- 
voted himself  to  the  service  of  colonization. 

In  Maryland,  the  only  State  of  the  Union  which  has  hith- 
erto made  the  colonizing  principle  part  of  its  permanent  policy, 
legislative  aid  enabled  the  society  to  act  with  conspicuous 
vigour  and  effect  during  this  year.  An  expedition  was  sent  in 
May,  and  another  in  November,  to  the  colony  at  Cape  Palmas. 
The  last  carried  out  a  new  accession  of  missionaries.  They 
had,  at  this  time,  in  and  near  the  settlement,  three  regular  mis- 
sionary stations,  of  different  denominations;  indeed  so  emi- 
nently provided  with  schools  and  missionary  operations  was 
Cape  Palmas  at  this  time,  that  it  began  to  be  called  tlie  "  Se- 
rampore  of  Africa."  From  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Man- 
agers of  the  Maryland  State  Fund  for  Colonizing  Purposes, 
and  the  society's  report,  it  appears,  that  one  hundred  and  forty 
new  emigrants  had  been  sent  to  this  colony  in  the  present 
year,  making  in  all,  nine  expeditions;  that  the  entire  popula- 
tion of  Maryland  in  Liberia  amounted  to  four  hundred  per- 
sons ;  and  that  their  colony  was  in  a  very  prosperous  and 
promising  condition.  By  the  former  report  it  appears  that  two 
hundred  and  four  slaves  had  been  manumitted  in  the  state  of 
Maryland,  during  the  past  year,  and  that  the  whole  number 
manumitted  since  the  passage  of  the  colonization  law  in  1831, 
was  fifteen  hundred  and  eighty-one.  Throughout  the  entire 
South  and  South-west  also,  the  colonization  spirit  was  reviving. 
In  Mississippi  an  annual  sum  of  fourteen  thousand  dollars  had 
already  been  subscribed  for  the  benefit  of  the  state  society,  in 
establishing  its  colony  at  Sinoe,  under  the  general  control  of 
the  parent  society.  The  Louisiana  state  society  also  adopted 
measures  preliminary  to  the  establishment  of  another  settle- 
ment. 

The  emigrants  by  the  Emperor  arrived  in  the  early  part  of 


552  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

February,  after  a  prosperous  voyage.  The  Liberia  Herald 
thus  notices  their  arrival.  "These  people  have  all  been 
bred  to  farming,  and  we  hope  they  will  prove  an  important 
accession  to  the  agricultural  interests  of  the  colony.  The 
physicians  of  the  colony  being  united  and  unequivocal  in 
their  verdict  in  favour  of  the  superior  healthfulness  of  the 
inland  settlements  over  that  of  Monrovia,  these  emigrants 
have  all  been  placed  at  Caldwell  and  Millsburg,  an  event 
which  will  put  tliis  opinion  to  the  test.  Our  opinion  is  that 
either  place  is  healthful.  There  is  no  earthly  occasion  that 
coloured  people  should  die  in  establishing  themselves  in  Africa. 
Let  them  only  avoid  the  actual  and  obvious  causes  of  disease, 
(which  is  neither  more  difficult,  nor  more  necessary  to  be  done 
here,  than  in  all  countries,)  and  they  may  live  their  three-score 
years  and  ten,  and  if  they  should  have  on  their  arrival,  good 
cheer  and  plenty,  they  may  even  attain  their  four-score  years." 
In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1838,  the  Bassa  Cove  settlement 
received  an  accession  of  seventy-two  emigrants,  who  came  in 
the  barque  Marine,  from  Wilmington,  North  Carolina.  This 
expedition  was  got  up  under  the  agency  and  superintendence 
of  Mr.  Buchanan.  The  emigrants  were  collected  by  this  gen- 
tleman from  different  counties  in  the  state  of  North  Carolina. 
Forty  of  them  were  formerly  the  slaves  of  Mr.  Elliston,  of 
Elizabeth,  in  that  State,  who  at  his  death  provided  by  will  for 
their  emancipation,  and  left  a  considerable  sum  of  money  in 
the  hands  of  his  heir,  to  be  appropriated  to  removing  and  set- 
tling them  in  some  country  where  they  might  enjoy  their  free- 
dom in  undisturbed  security.  It  was  found  that  the  county 
records  did  not  contain  a  copy  of  the  will;  and  in  the  absence 
of  all  legal  claim  upon  the  heir  of  Mr.  Elliston,  the  only  alter- 
native was  to  appeal  to  his  benevolent  feelings  and  sense  of 
justice.  "This,"  says  Mr.  Buchanan  to  the  society,  "I  am 
happy  to  say  was  not  made  in  vain.  As  soon  as  he  became 
acquainted  with  the  character  of  the  colony,  and  the  unequalled 
advantages  to  be  secured  to  his  people  by  placing  them  under 
your  patronage,  he  nobly  resolved  to  give  them  up.  For  he 
had  not  failed  to  comply  before  with  the  generous  intentions  of 
their  former  master,  through  a  selfish  desire  to  profit  by  their 
continued  servitude,  but  from  an  honest  doubt  whether  their 
condition  would  be  improved  by  a  removal  to  the  free  States. 
In  Liberia,  he  sav/  that  freedom  would  not  be  to  them  an  un- 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  553 

meaning  name,  but  a  real  blessing,  and  he  hesitated  not  to 
confer  it.  He  promised,  also,  to  appropriate  fifteen  hundred 
dollars,  as  an  outfit  to  them,  on  the  sailing  of  the  vessel." 
Several  of  the  emigrants  in  the  Marine  were  volunteers  from 
among  the  free  coloured  people.  At  the  close  of  a  meeting 
held  by  the  agent  with  some  of  these  persons,  a  large  number 
came  forward  and  enrolled  their  names:  others  declared  their 
intention  to  become  citizens  of  the  young  republic,  as  soon  as 
they  could  make  the  necessary  preparations.  One  of  them,  a 
very  respectable  mechanic,  of  considerable  property  and  great 
influence,  expressed  much  regret  that  he  was  prevented  by  a 
large  job  of  work  on  hand,  from  accompanying  the  present 
expedition,  and  declared  that  he  should  avail  himself  of  the 
next  opportunity  to  remove  with  his  family  to  Bassa  Cove. 

A  number  of  highly  respectable  emigrants  were  collected  in 
the  counties  of  Bladen  and  Brunswick ;  one  of  these,  James 
Brown,  from  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  family,  deserves 
particular  mention.  The  following  interesting  account  of  him 
is  from  Mr.  Buchanan.  "  Brown  was  the  favourite  servant  of 
an  excellent  lady,  who  had  reared  him,  from  a  child,  under  her 
personal  inspection.  The  interest  which  had  led  her  to  take 
special  care  of  his  infancy,  and  to  watch  with  parental  diligence 
over  his  early  education,  had  grown  with  his  maturing  years 
into  a  firm  and  confiding  attachment,  and  in  her  declining  years 
he  was  her  constant  attendant,  her  adviser,  lier  friend,  and  the 
staff  of  her  old  age.  Under  the  good  influence  of  his  pious 
mistress,  James,  too,  had  become  a  Christian,  and  in  the  strict 
integrity  of  his  character,  and  the  faithful  discharge  of  every 
duty,  he  illustrated  the  holy  principles  of  his  faith,  and  obtained 
the  confidence  and  esteem  of  all  who  knew  him.  But  his  wife 
and  children  were  slaves.  He  had  married,  early  in  life,  the 
slave  of  a  neighbouring  planter,  and  now,  when  he  saw  his 
interesting  family  growing  up  about  him,  his  cup  of  happiness 
was  embittered  by  the  reflection,  that  the  wife  of  his  bosom 
and  the  children  of  his  care,  were  in  bondage,  and  might  at  any 
moment  be  torn  from  him,  by  the  will  of  another,  and  separated 
to  a  returnless  distance.  He  heard  of  Liberia;  and  he  imme- 
diately besought  his  mistress  to  intercede  for  the  freedom  of  his 
family,  and  to  send  them  and  him  to  that  country.  At  first,  the 
feelings  of  the  good  old  lady  were  wounded,  and  she  wept  at 
his  supposed  ingratitude  in  v/ishing  to  leave  her;  but  when  she 
47 


554  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

understood  the  full  scope  of  his  request,  her  generous  heart 
responded  to  it,  and  she  at  once  promised  to  use  her  influence 
in  effecting  the  object  of  his  wishes.  In  a  few  days,  she  an- 
nounced to  him  her  complete  success  in  procuring  the  freedom 
of  his  wife  and  six  children.  Then  having  provided  amply  for 
their  comfort  on  the  voyage,  she  presented  him  with  four  hun- 
dred dollars,  as  an  outfit,  and  prepared  to  bid  him  a  final  adieu. 
But  this  was  a  trial  almost  beyond  her  strength.  The  noble 
determination  which  had  hitherto  supported  her,  at  the  moment 
of  its  consummation,  gave  way,  and,  for  a  time,  she  indulged 
her  grief  in  a  flood  of  tears.  But  again  the  heroine  triumphed 
over  the  woman;  and  she  gave  them  a  parting  blessing  as  they 
left  her  to  join  the  expedition  at  Wilmington.  A  gentleman 
who  was  present,  told  me,  he  never  witnessed  a  scene  of  such 
touching  interest,  as  the  parting  of  that  grateful  family  with 
their  protector  and  friend." 

It  was  in  this  expedition  that  Lewis  Sheridan,  a  coloured 
man,  who  had  acquired  considerable  property  in  North  Caro- 
lina, and  who  bore  the  reputation  of  being  a  man  of  extraordi- 
nary mercantile  ability,  embarked.  It  was  known  at  the  time, 
however,  that  he  went  not  as  a  decided  friend  to  colonization, 
but  more  from  dissatisfaction  with  certain  State  laws  that  had 
been  lately  passed.  He  located  himself  at  Bexley  in  the  Bassa 
Cove  settlement,  where  he  refused  at  first  to  subscribe  to  the 
provisional  laws  of  the  society,  but  afterwards  yielded  the  point 
when  he  found  that  he  could  not  persuade  the  colonists  to  join 
Avith  him  in  a  petition  to  have  them  altered ;  and  commenced  a 
farm  of  six  hundred  acres,  upon  which  he  employed  over  a  hun- 
dred labourers.  The  only  derogatory  letter  ever  received  in 
this  country  from  a  colonist,  proceeded  from  Mr.  Sheridan, 
soon  after  his  arrival,  and  was  extensively  published  in  abolition 
papers.  We  shall  take  no  further  notice  of  this  letter,  except 
to  refer  our  readers  to  the  letter  itself,  and  the  answers  to  it  of 
Governor  Matthias  and  the  Rev.  Mr,  Seyes,  who  happened 
to  be  in  this  country  at  the  time,  as  found  in  Vol.  XV.  of  the 
African  Repository,  pp.  33-44 ;  and  except  to  state,  that  the 
probable  explanation  of  it  is,  that  it  was  composed  while  the 
author  was  not  only  in  a  state  of  mental  but  of  physical  disease, 
and  while  momentarily  suffering  under  the  very  natural  feeling 
of  wounded  pride  and  mortification,  arising  from  the  fact,  that 
Mr.  Sheridan,  as  a  colonist,  was  not  received  and  treated  with 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  555 

all  that  deference  with  which  he  used  to  be  looked  up  to  by  the 
people  of  colour  in  his  own  neighbourhood  in  North  CaroHna; 
and  that  it  is  altogether  a  thing  of  which  Mr.  Sheridan  has  long 
since  deeply  repented.* 

In  the  month  of  March,  the  Mississippi  State  Society  sent 
out  an  expedition  by  the  brig  Mail,  from  New  Orleans,  consist- 
ing of  thirty-seven  emigrants.  Tliese  were  a  fine  set  of  men, 
collected  from  that  State,  under  the  agency  of  Mr.  Finley.  A 
farewell  meeting  was  held  upon  the  deck  of  the  vessel,  and  a 
final  address  made  to  the  departing  emigrants,  by  the  agent. 
The  farewell  scene  between  the  emancipated  slaves  and  their 
friends,  was  one  of  tender  interest.  "  One  person,"  says  a 
spectator,  "whom  we  remarked  particularly,  was  an  aged  man, 
with  grey  locks  carefully  combed  over  his  bald  crown,  and  a 
general  appearance  of  self  respect  which  comported  well  with 
his  dignified  deportment  and  brawny  proportions,  which  gave 
together  quite  the  impression  of  a  patriarch,  as  he  stood  with 
head  uncovered,  surrounded  by  a  group  of  the  younger  emi- 
grants, listening  with  profound  attention  to  their  final  instruc- 
tions. But  his  own  children,  we  were  told,  were  not  present. 
He  has  for  several  years  endeavoured  to  persuade  them  to  go 
to  Africa,  setting  before  them  all  the  advantages  which  they 
would  derive  from  the  change.  But  less  enterprising  than  him- 
self, they  have  declined  doing  so,  and  he  has  at  last  resolved  to 
leave  them  and  visit  the  country  himself,  and  persuade  them 
subsequently  by  letter,  if  possible,  to  follow  him.  He  is  a  man 
of  considerable  property,  and  has  assisted  several  families  be- 
sides his  own  in  acquiring  their  freedom."  Twenty-six  of  these 
emigrants  had  been  set  free  by  Mr.  Anketell,  who  had  taken 
much  pains  to  prepare  them  for  freedom  and  usefulness.  The 
whole  expedition  was  well  provided  with  clothes,  tools,  and 
farming  utensils.  Working  animals  were  purchased  for  them 
at  the  Cape  de  Verd  Islands,  and  they  commenced,  immediately 
upon  their  arrival,  with  great  cheerfulness  the  improvement  of 
their  farms,  which  they  found  already  laid  out  for  them.  An 
agent  had  been  employed  to  prepare  houses,  clear  land,  and 
plant  vegetables,  so  that  the  emigrants,  on  their  arrival,  found 
good  quarters,  and  an  abundance  of  cassada,  rice,  and  pota- 
toes. 

Their  town,  Greenville,  is  on  the  Sinoe  river,  five  miles  from 

*  This  man  died  a  few  months  ago. 


556  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

its  month,  and  abont  two  miles  in  a  direct  line  from  the  sea. 
This  settlement  is  deemed  as  iiealthy  as  any  part  of  the  state 
of  Mississippi,  and  the  land  is  rich.  The  territory  purchased 
by  the  Mississippi  society  is  narrow  on  the  ocean,  widening  as 
it  runs  back,  and  contains  over  one  hundred  square  miles. 

An  event  occurred  in  the  autumn  of  this  year  which  cast  a 
gloom  over  the  infant,  but  prosperous  settlement  of  Greenville, 
and  in  some  measure,  disturbed  the  peaceful  relations  existing 
between  the  colonists  and  the  natives.  About  the  10th  of  Sep- 
tember the  Governor  left  Greenville  for  Monrovia  on  business, 
as  well  as  for  his  health.  On  his  way  he  attempted  to  visit 
Bassa  Cove.  Landing  about  two  miles  below  the  settlement, 
he  was  robbed  and  murdered  by  the  natives.  The  Governor 
seems  to  have  placed  too  much  confidence  in  a  native  whom 
he  had  with  him,  and  to  whom  he  had  exposed  the  fact  of  his 
having  a  large  sum  of  money  about  him.  The  faithlessness  of 
this  fellow  in  disclosing  the  circumstance  of  the  money,  no 
doubt  occasioned  the  murder.  This  outrage  led  to  a  war  be- 
tween the  natives  and  the  settlers  of  Bassa  Cove,  who  had  one 
or  two  of  their  people  killed,  several  wounded,  and  some  of 
their  horses  destroyed.  Previous  to  the  news  of  this  outbreak, 
the  most  cheering  intelligence  had  been  received  from  the  Bassa 
Cove  settlement,  of  their  health,  their  temporal  and  spiritual 
prosperity. 

In  May  the  schooner  Columbia,  Captain  Franklin,  carried 
out  thirty-six  emigrants  to  Cape  Palmas;  making  the  tenth  ex- 
pedition of  the  Maryland  Colonization  Society  to  their  settle- 
ment. At  the  same  time  the  Board  of  Managers  of  that  society 
held  a  meeting,  and  resolved  to  proceed  at  once  to  the  business 
of  procuring  and  establishing  a  regular  packet  to  their  colony. 
The  fall  expedition  of  the  Maryland  society  brought  out  fifty- 
three  emigrants  by  the  Oberon,  with  Dr.  McDowall,  now  the 
Cape  Palmas  physician,  and  Dr.  S.  F.  McGill,  his  assistant,  a 
coloured  man,  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College,  New  Hamp- 
shire. 

About  this  time  the  State  Colonization  Society  of  Virginia 
proposed  planting  a  new  colony,  to  be  called  the  "New  Plan- 
tation." Like  the  Maryland  society,  their  managers,  in  their 
report,  approve  of  the  principle  of  independent  State  action. 
Some  of  the  evils  anticipated  by  many  of  the  friends  of  the 
American  Colonization  Society  in  the  establishment  of  separate 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  557 

settlements  in  Liberia,  independent  of  each  other,  and  under 
distinct  governments,  began  now  to  be  realized.  In  reference 
to  this  subject  Lieutenant-Governor  Williams,  in  a  communi- 
cation dated  May  Sth,  1838,  wrote  as  follows:  "I  regret  to 
say,  our  neighbours  of  Bassa  Cove  and  Edina  seem  to  enter- 
tain the  most  hostile  feelings  towards  the  old  colony,  and  every 
thing  connected  with  it.  They  have  manifested  such  a  dispo- 
sition as  will,  if  continued,  lead  to  serious  difficulties  between 
the  settlements.  The  policy  which  the  colonizationists  are  now 
pursuing  is  assuredly  a  bad  one,  and  will  inevitably  defeat  the 
object  they  aim  to  accomplish.  Nothing  can  be  conceived 
more  destructive  to  the  general  good,  than  separate  and  con- 
flicting interests  among  the  different  colonies.  And  this  conse- 
quence will  certainly  follow  the  establishment  of  separate  and 
distinct  sovereignties  contiguous  to  each  other.  If  societies 
must  file  off",  and  have  separate  establishments,  their  very  ex- 
istence depends  upon  their  union  by  some  general  and  well 
settled  relations.  They  might  be  so  far  separated  as  to  have 
peculiar  local  and  internal  regulations,  but  they  should  be  con- 
trolled by  general  laws,  and  general  supervision,  and  be  so  con- 
nected as  to  move  on  to  one  object  in  harmonious  operation." 
The  editor  of  the  Liberia  Herald  expresses  his  views  on  the 
same  subject,  in  these  words:  "  The  formation  of  colonies  along 
the  coast,  is  beyond  doubt,  the  surest  way  of  breaking  up  the 
slave  trade,  as  far  as  their  influence  may  extend.  But  while 
we  view  with  much  satisfaction,  the  success  of  the  colonization 
scheme,  and  the  formation  of  new  settlements,  we  would  ob- 
serve, that  we  deem  it  highly  necessary  that  the  several,  and 
all  the  colonies  now  in  existence,  and  those  that  may  hereafter 
be  formed,  should  be  under  the  guidance  of  general  laws;  such 
a  connexion  would  promote  union,  without  which  they  could 
never  prosper.  Each  settlement  independently,  should  have 
its  own  laws  and  regulations  for  its  internal  government,  like 
the  several  States  of  the  Union,  in  America,  and  like  them 
should  be  bound  and  cemented  together  by  one  general  govern- 
ment, and  by  one  common  interest.  Such  a  union,  of  so  much 
vital  importance  to  the  future  prosperity  and  peace  of  the 
Avhole,  would  elevate  the  character  of  the  colonies  in  a  degree 
to  which  they  could  not  otherwise  attain.  By  it  moreover, 
their  strength  would  be  increased,  as  well  as  their  permanency, 
according  to  a  common  but  true  saying,  ^'•united  we  standi 
47* 


558  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Instead  of  a  few  isolated  settlements,  often  at  variance  with 
each  other  from  selfish  motives  and  conflicting  interests,  they 
would  then  present  to  the  view  of  the  beholder  a  number  of 
small  settlements,  or  States  if  you  please,  forming  a  rising  re- 
public in  Africa  of  one  people  and  of  one  language,  after  the 
model  of  the  great  union  of  America." 

Some  of  the  Dey  people,  residing  on  the  Little  Bassa,  had 
forcibly  taken  colonial  property  from  persons  to  whom  its 
transportation  to  Edina,  had  been  entrusted.  On  satisfaction 
being  demanded  for  this  outrage,  the  Deys  readily  agreed  to 
pay  for  the  property  taken,  also,  to  pay  a  debt  due  by  them  to 
the  colonial  agent,  and  to  secure  the  payment  in  four  months, 
pledged  a  portion  of  their  lands  embracing  the  mouth  of  the 
Little  Bassa.  The  time  of  payment  having  expired,  a  com- 
missioner was  appointed  to  remind  the  Deys  of  their  promise; 
but  only  a  renewal  of  it  was  obtained.  The  colonization 
agent,  acting  in  accordance  with  the  spirit  of  his  instructions 
to  treat  the  natives  with  all  consistent  lenity,  pursued  persuasive 
measures  to  induce  this  tribe  to  comply  with  their  engagements, 
for  eighteen  months  without  success,  when  he  sent  two  commis- 
sioners to  endeavour  to  bring  them  to  an  explicit  settlement,  who 
were  instructed  to  make  every  exertion  to  conclude  the  matter 
amicably.  But  this,  so  far  from  arriving  at  any  satisfactory 
termination,  served  only  to  manifest  the  most  hostile  feelings 
on  the  part  of  the  natives.  "  Such  equivocations  and  shame- 
less disregard  of  all  agreements,"  says  Lieutenant-Governor 
"Williams,  "  the  character  and  well  being  of  the  colony  forbade 
me  to  pass  without  a  prompt  and  decided  expression  of  disap- 
probation. Accordingly,  in  April,  I  despatched  other  com- 
missioners, accompanied  by  an  armed  escort  of  seventy  men, 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  J.  J.  Roberts,  to  renew  the 
endeavour  of  an  amicable  adjustment,  and  in  the  event  of 
failing  to  do  so,  to  take  forcible  and  formal  possession  of  the 
country  pledged,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society.  On  the  arrival  of  the  commissioners  at 
Bassa,  they  were  for  eight  days  amused  by  the  same  course  of 
equivocation  and  evasion,  which  in  this  whole  affair  had 
marked  the  conduct  of  the  natives,  and  on  the  eighth  day  they 
took  formal  possession  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  the 
American  Colonization  Society,  in  right  of  the  agreement 
entered  into  by  the  natives  in  relation  to  the  debts.     With 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  559 

regard  to  the  justness  of  the  method  in  which  possession  was 
taken,  there  can  be  no  question.  The  land  had  been  forfeited 
eighteen  months  anterior  to  this  event,  by  an  agreement  entered 
into  by  the  chiefs  and  the  headmen  in  solemn  palaver.  The 
only  object  in  treating  thus  with  them,  was  to  prevent  any 
future  impression,  if  possible,  that  it  had  forcibly  been  taken 
away  from  them.  After  the  matter  had  proceeded  to  such 
lengths,  and  demands  had  been  made  by  this  government, 
there  was  no  alternative.  To  suifer  them  to  equivocate,  and 
to  violate  every  agreement,  would  have  been  interpreted  by 
them  as  weakness  on  our  part,  and  would  have  certainly  led 
to  insult  and  aggression.  As  soon  as  the  natives  became  con- 
vinced of  a  determination  on  the  part  of  the  Americans  to 
enforce  an  observance  of  their  agreement,  they  prepared  to 
retire  from  the  country.  Fear,  and  fear  alone  prevented  them 
in  the  last  instance,  from  meeting  the  commissioners.  Conscious 
of  the  unjustness  of  their  own  intentions,  and  of  the  impro- 
priety of  their  own  past  conduct,  no  assurances  of  friendly 
dispositions  could  lull  their  suspicions  so  far  as  to  allow  them 
to  place  themselves  in  the  power  of  the  Americans. 

"The  Bassa  people  have  all  the  treachery  and  dishonesty  of 
the  other  adjoining  tribes,  and  much  greater  numerical  strength, 
and  more  personal  bravery.  A  portion  of  the  Dey  country, 
lying  on  the  north  of  the  St.  Paul's,  and  of  which  the  Board 
had  ordered  a  purchase  to  be  made,  has  also  fallen  into  the 
hands  of  the  colony.  A  shocking  murder  and  destruction  of 
property  was  committed  in  that  country,  on  the  person  and 
property  of  an  American  settler,  David  Logan.  This  outrage, 
though  committed  by  Mandingoes,  and  with  whom  in  the  affair 
the  Deys  had  probably  no  connexion,  was  of  too  gross  and 
daring  a  nature  to  be  passed  unnoticed.  A  palaver  of  the  chiefs 
and  headmen  was  called  at  King  Willey's  in  that  country,  and 
satisfaction  demanded.  They  protested  innocence,  and  de- 
clared that  they  were  ignorant  of  the  affair  only  from  report. 
They  were,  however,  reminded  that  it  was  a  gross  violation  of 
a  compact  subsisting  between  them  and  the  colony,  by  which 
ihey  are  bound  to  extend  protection  to  all  Americans  in  their 
territory,  not  only  from  the  violation  and  imposition  of  their 
own  people,  but  from  all  others;  and  further,  that  all  matters 
of  dispute  in  which  Americans  are  parties,  shall  be  referred  to 
the  Cape  for  adjudication.     They  were  required  to  refund  the 


560  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

amount  of  property  destroyed,  and  to  deliver  up  the  murderers; 
all  to  be  performed  within  six  months,  which  they  readily  agreed 
to,  and  pledged  a  portion  of  their  country  as  security.  We  have 
every  evidence  that,  at  the  time  they  hypothecated  the  land, 
they  had  very  little  either  of  intention  or  desire  to  perform  the 
stipulations.  They  were  willing  to  settle  the  matter  by  ceding 
a  portion  of  their  land.  Severer  terms  we  did  not  feel  justified 
in  imposing,  and  less  severe,  we  did  not  think  would  secure 
respect  for  the  lives  and  property  of  our  people." 

On  the  reception  of  these  despatcliesfrom  Lieutenant-Governor 
Williams,  the  Board  directed  an  inquiry  to  be  instituted  into  all 
the  facts  and  circumstances  of  the  transactions,  called  for  copies 
of  the  contracts  between  the  chiefs  concerned  and  the  colony, 
and  in  the  mean  time  instructed  Mr.  Williams  to  refrain  from 
taliing  possession  of  the  territory  pledged  and  forfeited,  and  to 
refund  the  amount  of  property  destroyed. 

By  the  same  despatches  of  the  Lieutenant-Governor,  it  ap- 
pears that  the  native  wars  in  the  vicinity  of  the  colonies  con- 
tinued to  rage  with  unabated  fury.  Jenkins,  a  chief  of  the 
Gorahs,  had  made  an  irruption  into  a  town  of  the  Dey  tribe, 
and  captured  and  murdered  about  two  hundred  persons.  This 
was  nearly  the  last  town  of  any  consequence  left  in  the  pos- 
session of  that  tribe.  The  Gorahs  seemed  determined  on  the 
extermination  of  that  unfortunate  people;  "and,"  says  Mr. 
Williams,  "there  is  every  probability  they  will  effect  their  pur- 
pose. Should  they  succeed  in  extinguishing  the  Deys,  I  cannot 
at  present  say  by  whom  the  country  will  be  inhabited — whether 
by  the  Gorahs  or  Condahs.  In  either  case,  I  fear  we  shall  have 
troublesome,  restless  neighbours.  The  Condahs  are  already 
occupying  a  portion  of  the  country,  and  it  is  reported  there  are 
now  several  barricades  from  the  coast  to  Bo-porah.  If  this  be 
correct,  the  Gorahs  will  find  in  the  end  that  they  have  con- 
quered a  country,  but  not  for  themselves." 

After  the  arrival  of  the  last  expedition,  the  Governor  writes: 
"I  am  sorry  that  the  sugar  mill  did  not  come.  I  have  about 
six  acres  of  promising  thrifty  sugar  cane,  which  I  am  appre- 
hensive will  be  lost  for  want  of  a  mill  to  grind  it.  I  am  more 
anxious  to  succeed  in  manufacturing  this  cane,  for  the  purpose 
of  demonstrating  the  practicability  of  cultivating  and  manu- 
facturing the  article  with  comparative  ease,  and  thereby  giving 
an  impulse  to  the  business,  than  for  the  benefit  to  be  derived 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  561 

from  it  in  this  case.  I  am  continuing  to  enlarge  the  sphere  of 
cultivation  on  the  Public  Farm.  On  this  subject  I  am  happy  to 
inform  you  there  is  an  astonishing  improvement  in  the  colony. 
The  spirit  of  agriculture  is  still  on  the  increase;  and  each  suc- 
ceeding month  finds  greater  encroachments  by  the  hand  of 
cultivation  on  the  surrounding  forest." 

The  reports  of  the  different  missions  speak  encouragingly 
of  the  progress  of  religion  both  in  tlfe  colony  and  among  the 
natives.  "The  society  at  New  Georgia,"  says  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Seyes,  "prospers,  and  the  school  is  doing  well.  At  a  meeting 
of  several  days'  continuance  at  this  place,  it  was  hoped  that 
many  souls  were  converted;  and  among  them  several  natives. 
Our  hearts  yearned  over  them,  while  we  adored  the  goodness 
of  that  God  who  thus  convinceth  us  of  a  truth,  'that  he  is  no 
respecter  of  persons,  but  that  in  every  nation,  he  that  feareth 
God  and  worketh  righteousness  is  accepted  of  him.'  A  sweep- 
ing reformation  has  also  gone  through  the  town  of  Caldwell. 
Old  hardened  sinners,  of  whom  their  fellow  citizens  had  but  a 
faint  hope,  have  humbled  themselves  under  the  mighty  hand 
of  God,  repented  and  forsaken  their  sins,  and  are  now  rejoicing 
in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God.  Besides  this,  several  natives  have 
also  been  made  the  happy  partakers  of  God's  converting  grace. 
Here  let  me  remark,  for  the  purpose  of  undeceiving  a  certain 
part  of  our  friends  in  America,  that  though  some  of  our  native 
converts  are  right  out  of  the  bush,  yet  that  many  of  them  are 
individuals  who  have  been  residing  in  the  families  of  the  colo- 
nists, have  been  taught  by  them  the  knowledge  of  the  Christian's 
God — have  witnessed  their  pious  examples,  which  have  proved 
to  them,  savours  of  life  unto  life,  and  owe,  in  a  great  measure, 
their  salvation  to  them  as  instruments  in  the  hand  of  God. 
Away,  then,  with  the  notion,  that  the  colonization  scheme  does 
nothing  for  the  native  African — that  the  missionary  enterprise 
is  confined  to  the  emigrants,  and  that  the  natives  benefit  nothing 
by  it.  Let  me  stop  the  mouths  of  these  gainsayers,  by  pro- 
claiming the  names  of  Johnson,  Williams,  Davis,  Devaney, 
Philips,  Tulliver,  White,  Willis,  &c.  &c.,  American  colonists, 
in  whose  families  native  boys  and  girls  have  grown  up  under 
godly  instruction  and  pious  example,  and  are  now  converted 
to  Christianity,  and  members  of  Christian  churches  in  Liberia. 
Let  me  add,  that  in  this  respect  salvation  has  come  too  to  the 
mission  houses  within  your  mission  in  Africa,  and  boys  attached 


562  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

to  our  families  and  institutions  have  been  born  of  God.  Mills- 
burg — what  shall  I  say  about  this  spot?  The  wilderness  is 
blossoming  as  the  rose.  The  solitary  place  is  becoming  glad, 
and  rejoicing  for  them  who  have  been  sent  to  cultivate  the 
hitherto  barren  field,  and  to  diffuse  light  amid  the  gross  dark- 
ness. And,  thank  God,  the  darkness  is  comprehending  the 
light.  0,  sir,  think  what  the  Lord  has  done  for  us  here.  A 
society  of  eleven  members,  as  reported  little  more  than  a  year 
ago,  has  now  grown  to  sixty-three.  The  White  Plains  Manual 
Labour  School  has  been  owned  and  blessed  of  God.  We  have 
among  us  converted  to  God,  Africans,  named  J.  0.  Andrew, 
N.  Bangs,  John  Clark,  P.  P.  Sanford,  &c.  &c.,  and  these  already 
begin  to  recommend  this  holy  religion  to  others."  We  might 
follow  this  report  throughout  all  the  settlements  in  the  colony, 
in  all  which  the  same  hopeful  appearances  are  manifest  in  their 
religious  aspect. 

From  the  letters  of  Dr.  Taylor  to  the  Board,  we  make  the 
following  extracts.  "I  have  the  extreme  satisfaction  to  inform 
the  Board  that  there  is  nothing  like  the  indisposition  among  the 
people  in  this  place  (Millsburg,  which  had  previously  been 
without  a  regular  physician)  that  existed  when  I  came  here  in 
February  last.  There  are  on  my  sick  list  at  the  present  time, 
in  a  community  of  one  hundred  and  ninety-six  persons,  seven 
patients;  out  of  this  number,  only  two  are  of  the  company  that 
came  out  with  rae.  Two  are  old  persons,  for  whom  medicine 
will  do  little  or  no  good.  Two,  an  infant  and  its  mother  with 
a  cold — and  the  seventh  a  man  who  was  so  unfortunate  as  to 
have  his  arm  fractured.  There  is  one  singular  fact  which  ex- 
perience has  taught  me  since  I  have  been  in  Africa;  and  this 
fact  is  exactly  the  reverse  of  what  has  been  the  generally  re- 
ceived opinion,  both  in  America  and  Africa.  The  foct  is  this; 
that,  if  a  man  would  enjoy  perfect  health  in  this  country,  he 
must  take  just  twice  as  much  exercise  as  would  preserve  health 
in  the  United  States.  1  am  fully  persuaded  that  this  is  a  true 
statement,  from  what  I  have  experienced  in  my  own  case  and 
what  I  have  observed  in  others.  The  rains  are  now  going 
off — we  have  a  shower  daily  and  nocturnally — the  evenings 
and  mornings  are  so  delightful,  that  persons  cannot  content 
themselves  in  the  house,  who  are  in  health.  There  is  not 
a  shadow  of  doubt,  but  that  this  place  is  vastly  more  suit- 
able for  acclimation,  than  any  other  colony  in  Liberia.     My 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  563 

patients  are  all  convalescent — my  patient,  with  fractured  hume- 
rus, is  doing  well.  In  my  treatment  of  the  diseases  here,  I  am 
guided  entirely  by  the  circumstances  and  situation  of  my 
patients.  I  prescribe  for  symptoms,  not  for  names.  Thanks 
to  Dr.  Lindsley  for  so  deeply  impressing  my  mind  with  the 
importance  of  this  principle.  If  I  was  only  an  efficient  bota- 
nist, I  have  a  field  before  me  that  would  serve  me  to  explore 
during  the  balance  of  my  life.  A  natural  historian  would  find 
matter  here  to  occupy  his  mind  and  pen,  as  long  as  he  could 
live.  I  do  not  think  that  I  have  seen  a  greater  variety  of  birds 
in  the  United  States  in  twenty-nine  years,  than  I  have  seen 
here  in  the  short  space  of  eight  months.  Morality  increases 
astonishingly.  Since  I  have  been  in  Millsburg  about  sixty 
members  have  been  added  to  the  church.  Was  it  not  that  an 
expedition  is  expected  daily,  and  that  it  is  the  intention  of  the 
Lieutenant-Governor  to  send  as  many  to  Millsburg  as  possi- 
ble, I  think  I  should  come  over  with  them,  just  to  convince 
many  who  stand  in  their  own  light,  opposing  the  scheme  of 
colonization.  I  want  to  let  the  people  with  whom  I  am  con- 
nected, and  for  whom  I  feel  interested,  know  that  it  is  not  here 
as  some  would  have  them  think  it  is.  I  think  that  if  the  bitter 
opponents  of  the  colonization  scheme  would  only  come  to 
Millsburg  and  look  at  the  prospect,  and  see  that  all  that  is 
wanting  to  make  this  a  splendid  place,  and  the  people  inde- 
pendent, is  means,  they  could  but  say,  I  will  give  my  support 
to  this  enterprise.  Though  I  advocate  the  elevation  of  the 
man  of  colour  in  America,  I  am  now  convinced  that  this  is 
the  place  where  he  can  enjoy  real  freedom.  With  regard  to 
the  morality  of  this  whole  comnumity,  it  is  very  good  and 
greatly  on  the  increase.  Religion  is  flourishing.  During  the 
year  there  has  been  an  accession  to  the  Methodist  church 
alone,  of  one  hundred  and  sixty-one  members.  On  the  night 
of  the  8th  of  January,  there  was  a  missionary  meeting  held, 
at  which  there  were  twelve  preachers  who  belong  to  the  Libe- 
ria Animal  Conference.  At  this  meeting,  by  subscription  and 
collection,  I  think  more  than  one  hundred  dollars  were  secured 
for  the  missionary  cause  in  Africa." 

At  a  colonization  meeting  held  in  the  city  of  Newark,  New 
Jersey,  Mr.  Brown,  of  Liberia,  made  an  interesting  address. 
He  was  listened  to  with  the  deepest  attention,  and  there  was 
that  about  him  which  declared  him  to  be,  not  only  a  man  of 


564  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

talent,  but  a  man  of  sincerity  and  truth.  He  gave  a  cheering 
account  of  the  social  and  moral  condition  of  the  people.  He 
averred  over  and  over  again,  that  he  knew  of  no  settlements 
in  this  country,  and  he  had  travelled  extensively,  so  free  from 
open  vice  and  immorality,  or  which  enjoyed  superior  moral 
and  religious  advantages.  His  heart  had  been  affected  with 
the  amount  of  intemperance  and  profaneness  everywhere  ex- 
hibited through  our  villages,  but  he  had  never  seen  a  drunken 
man  in  Liberia — not  one;  and  a  profane  word  was  rarely 
heard,  "The  truth  is,"  said  he,  "that  men  are  dependent 
there  upon  their  moral  character.''^  The  popular  sentiment  is 
a  more  effectual  restraint  upon  vicious  character,  than  the 
statute  book,  and  when  emigrants  come  in,  they  soon  find  that 
it  is  disreputable  to  violate  the  rules  of  decency  and  order. 

"There  is  one  subject  in  reference  to  Africa,"  said  Governor 
Matthias  at  a  meeting  in  New  York,  "in  which  the  people  of 
this  country  have  most  erroneous  ideas.  I  mean  the  climate. 
Many  persons  imagine  that  the  thermometer  always  ranges 
much  higher  in  Africa  than  in  the  United  States,  but  such  is 
not  the  fact.  It  is  never  higher  than  86  or  lower  than  72,  and 
tempered  by  a  pleasant  sea  breeze,  which  so  mitigates  the 
heat,  that  with  the  thermometer  at  86  the  climate  is  delightful. 
Every  one  who  possesses  health,  must  enjoy  life  in  Africa. 
Much  had  been  said  in  relation  to  the  unhealthiness  of  that 
portion  of  the  country  occupied  by  the  colony.  In  answer  to 
these  objections  he  had  brought  with  him  a  medical  report  of 
the  mortality  in  Bassa  Cove  and  Edina,  From  this  report  it 
appeared  that  from  August  1837  to  April  1838,  the  deaths  did 
not  average  more  than  one  per  month,  with  the  exception  of 
the  month  of  March,  during  which  there  were  five  deaths, 
three  of  which  were  of  children  only  a  year  old.  Amongst 
all  the  deaths  which  occurred  during  the  period  referred  to, 
there  was  but  one  case  of  fever,  and  no  case  of  a  death  occur- 
ring from  disease  peculiarly  incident  to  the  climate."  Governor 
Matthias  next  adverted  to  the  manners  and  behaviour  of  the 
colonists,  and  said  that  the  first  time  he  opened  the  court  at 
Bassa  Cove,  he  was  utterly  astonished  at  the  perfect  order 
and  formality  with  which  every  thing  was  conducted  by  the 
coloured  clerk,  sheriff,  and  jury;  and  that  when  the  trials  were 
over,  several  of  the  audience  approached  him  and  congratu- 
lated him  on  his  appointment,  in  a  manner  which  would  have 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION'.  565 

been  creditable  to  any  people,  no  matter  what  their  colour  or 
country.  In  relation  to  the  religious  habits  of  the  colonists,  he 
could  say,  that  in  no  part  of  the  world  was  the  Sabbath  more 
respected.  It  was  not  only  respected  by  the  colonists,  but  even 
the  natives  had  learned  to  respect  it." 

A  letter  of  Dr.  Goheen,  a  very  respectable  and  well  edu- 
cated physician,  attached  to  the  Methodist  mission  at  Monro- 
via, exhibits  the  most  satisfactory  evidence  of  the  good  charac- 
ter, contentment,  and  improvement  of  the  settlers,  as  wonderful 
as  it  must  be  gratifying  to  every  humane  and  Christian  heart. 
It  was  remarkable  in  the  case  of  Dr.  Goheen  that  he  entirely 
escaped  every  touch  of  the  acclimating  fever.  This  was  quite 
unprecedented  in  the  history  of  any  white  man  that  ever  re- 
mained for  any  length  of  time  in  the  country.  Mr,  Seyes 
explains  the  fact,  when  he  says,  "that  while  we  attribute  his 
exemption  from  disease,  primarily  to  the  kind  interposition  of  a 
gracious  Providence,  it  would  be  injustice  in  me,  and  an  injury 
to  those  who  come  after,  to  withhold  the  fact,  that  such  is  the 
extremely  temperate  and  abstemious  life  of  Dr.  Goheen,  in  all 
ihings;  such  his  lynx-eyed  vigilance  at  every  minutiae  which 
might  invite  disease,  and  his  great  self-denial  in  the  use  of  what 
may  be  termed  only  the  common  comforts  of  life,  that  I  wonder 
not '  the  pestilence  which  walketh  at  noonday,'  can  find  no  spot 
in  his  system  on  which  to  rest  even  the  sole  of  its  foot."  It 
may  be  well  for  white  persons  hereafter  visiting  Africa,  to  keep 
this  in  mind.  We  know  that  it  was  the  same  strictness  of 
attention  to  diet  to  whicli  the  first  missionaries  to  Cape  Palmas 
attributed,  under  God,  their  health  and  preservation;  and  that 
they  adopted  such  a  regimen,  not  only  after  they  had  touched 
the  shores  of  Africa,  but  by  way  of  anticipation  for  a  consi- 
derable period  before  they  embarked  from  this  country,  and 
while  on  the  passage. 

Says  Dr.  Goheen :  "  It  is  a  source  of  great  pleasure  to  me  to 
be  able  to  inform  you  that  all  the  colonies  are  in  a  prosperous 
condition.  The  vigorous  exertions  and  anxious  devotedness 
which  characterize  the  efforts  of  the  citizens  to  elevate  and 
establish  themselves  permanently,  in  the  possession  of  privi- 
leges, moral  and  political,  almost  amount  to  enthusiasm. 

"  The  people  are  industrious  and  persevering  in  their  attempts 
to  gain  a  comfortable  livelihood,  temperate  and  economical  iu 
their  habits,  and  appear  to  be  really  enjoying  life, 
48 


566  HISTORF    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

"  It  is  a  mistaken  idea,  that  among  the  colonists  there  are  con- 
tentious and  dissatisfied  spirits,  who  long  for  the  '  flesh  pots  of 
Egypt,'  and  desire  to  turn  back  and  enjoy  the  'proud  man's 
contumely'  in  America.  No,  no;  there  are  here  no  restless 
persons,  nor  any  who  would  give  up  their  possessions  in  Africa 
for  any  station,  no  matter  however  elevated,  in  the  country 
where  they  cannot  have  equal  rights,  but  must  ever  be  looked 
upon  as  the  dark  and  degraded  sons  of  Ham.  Many  to  whom 
I  have  put  the  question — would  you  prefer  to  return  to  Ame- 
rica, and  live  bondmen  as  you  have  been?  have  replied  in  sub- 
stance— no,  sir,  we  would  rather  remain  here,  possessed  of  half 
the  privileges  and  happiness  that  we  now  have,  than  go  back 
and  be  reported  freemen  in  any  of  the  States. 

"I  have  inquired  diligently,  and  I  have  yet  to  find  the  first 
man  who  would  leave  Liberia  for  a  residence  in  America,  on 
any  terms. 

"  This  account  you  will  find  fully  corroborated  by  the  nu- 
merous letters  written  by  the  colonists,  and  sent  to  their  afflicted 
brethren  throughout  the  Union.  I  am  aware  that  it  is  not  cre- 
dited by  some;  but  if  men  are  not  themselves  the  best  judges 
of  their  own  enjoyments  and  feelings,  and  are  not  to  be  believed 
when  they  thus  publicly  testify  of  the  blessings  and  comforts 
which  they  possess,  I  ask,  what  portion  of  this  community  is  it 
that  is  better  qualified  to  decide?" 

Again,  observes  Dr.  Goheen: 

"  It  is  utterly  impossible  for  you  to  form  a  correct  estimate  of 
the  amount  of  good  that  has  resulted  from  the  means  thus  far 
expended,  unless  you  were  here  to  observe  with  your  own  eyes 
the  changes  wrought.  The  man  who  was  a  slave  in  America 
is  here  a  free  citizen ;  the  plebeian  and  the  servant  there,  the 
lord  of  the  soil  here ;  there  the  degraded  child  of  affliction,  here 
the  claimant  and  the  occupant  of  the  highest  office  in  the  gift 
of  a  free  people.  Here  there  are  colonists  of  all  professions  and 
trades  ;  governors,  divines,  lawyers,  physicians,  and  mechanics. 
Here  are  those  who  possess  wealth  and  live  at  ease;  here  the 
inhabitants  enjoy  all  the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  a  soil  the  most 
fertile,  well  watered,  and  best  timbered,  that  I  have  ever  seen. 
And  here  permit  me  to  ask,  why  do  you  colonization  folks,  in 
every  address  that  you  make,  speak  of  the  burning  sands  and 
barren  shores  of  Africa  ?  Because  in  the  vast  continent  of 
Africa  the  Zahara  desert  is  found?     Where  is  the  continent 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  567 

that  has  no  desert  ?  Is  there  not  a  great  desert  within  the  terri- 
tory of  the  United  States?  England,  and  other  European 
nations,  get  all  their  ship-building  and  other  timber  from  Africa. 
The  coast  from  Senegambia,  southward,  presents  an  almost 
impregnable  forest,  which  contains  a  much  greater  variety  of 
trees  than  you  have  in  the  States,  and  also  a  sufficiency  to 
supply  the  world  for  centuries.  But,  to  return :  there  is  here 
every  possible  inducement  to  prompt  and  stimulate  the  emigrant 
to  action  ;  a  rich  soil,  a  great  variety  of  vegetables,  and  a  ready 
market.  The  authorities  of  this  town  have  recently  estabUshed 
a  market,  which  overflows  with  the  products  of  the  country. 
The  comforts  possessed  by  the  farmers,  mechanics,  and  mer- 
chants, far  surpass  the  opinion  that  you  would  form  of  them, 
unless  you  could  be  present,  to  be  received  into  houses  splen- 
didly furnished,  and  well  provided  with  all  the  luxuries  that 
are  usually  found  in  the  possession  of  citizens  of  refined  and 
populous  towns. 

"The  moral  and  religious  state  of  society,  is  very  good;  this 
is  emphatically  a  church-going  community.  In  this  town  we 
have  a  'Moral  Friendship  Society,'  a  '  Union  Sisters  of  Charity 
Society,'  a  'Female  Benevolent  Society,'  a  'Missionary  Society,' 
a  flourishing  '  Temperance  Society  ;'  and  to  the  above  list,  we 
have  recently  added  a  '  Liberia  Lyceum.'  The  Lyceum  is  well 
attended,  and  promises  to  bestow  much  lasting  good  upon  the 
citizens. 

"  From  the  above  facts,  it  is  evident,  that  your  cause  is  a  good 
one,  and  has  been  blessed  and  prospered  by  heaven's  hand;  it 
has  found  favour  in  the  sight  of  God  and  man;  it  is  fraught 
with  considerations  the  most  ennobling;  it  demands  from  every 
well-wisher  of  the  human  family  his  suffrage,  and  appeals 
directly  for  assistance  to  all  Christian  believers  in  the  coming 
millennium." 

Governor  Russwurm,  of  Cape  Palmas,  concerning  the  new 
code  of  laws  which  had  been  with  great  care  prepared  for  that 
colony,  writes:  "We  are  all  much  pleased  with  the  new  code 
of  laws.  The  powers  of  the  judges  are  well  defined,  and  will 
save,  among  an  ignorant  community,  much  contention.  I  have 
not  heard  even  a  murmur  against  the  code,  though  it  strikes  at 
the  root  of  many  preconceived  opinions."  He  added:  "The 
people  are  civil  and  orderly;  no  properly  established  law  of  the 
colony  has  ever  met  with  open  opposition;  no  violence  has  ever 


568  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

been  threatened  to  the  lawful  authorities.  No  instance  of  riot 
or  general  uncontrollable  excitement  has  occurred,  and  no  in- 
stance of  open  quarrelling  or  fisticnlTs  has  come  to  my  know- 
ledge, directly  or  indirectly,  since  the  first  establishment  of  the 
colony." 

The  four  settlements  of  Monrovia,  Bassa  Cove,  Greenville, 
and  Maryland,  contained  in  all  ten  villages.  The  population 
had  increased  to  five  thousand,  of  which  three  thousand  five 
hundred  were  emigrants  from  this  country,  and  the  remainder 
natives  of  Africa,  mostly  youth,  who  had  come  into  the  colonies 
to  learn  "'Merica  fash,"  and  make  themselves  "white  men," 
by  conforming  to  the  habits  of  civilization,  and  becoming  sub- 
ject to  their  laws. 

The  commerce  of  the  colony,  though  in  its  infancy,  was 
already  extensive.  From  eighty  thousand  to  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  thousand  dollars  was  exported  annually,  in  cam- 
wood, ivory,  palm  oil,  and  hides;  and  an  equal  or  greater 
amount  of  the  manufactures  and  productions  of  Europe  and 
America,  brought  into  the  colonies  in  return.  Monrovia  had  a 
considerable  coasting  trade  by  means  of  small  vessels  built  and 
owned  by  her  own  citizens;  not  less  than  twelve  or  fifteen  of 
these,  averaging  from  ten  to  thirty  tons  burthen,  manned  and 
navigated  by  the  colonists,  being  constantly  engaged  in  a  pro- 
fitable trade  along  seven  hundred  miles  of  coast. 

The  harbour  of  Monrovia  was  seldom  clear  of  foreign  vessels; 
more  than  seventy  of  which,  from  the  United  States,  England, 
France,  Sweden,  Portugal,  and  Denmark,  annually  touching 
there. 

Of  the  Temperance  Society,  formed  in  1834,  more  than  one- 
fifth  of  the  entire  population  had  become  members.  At  Bassa 
Cove,  and  Cape  Palmas,  the  sale  and  use  of  ardent  spirits  were 
prohibited  by  law.  In  the  other  colonies,  the  ban  of  public 
opinion  as  effectually  prohibited  dram-drinking,  so  that  no 
respectable  person  would  indulge  an  appetite  so  disreputable. 

The  number  of  churches  had  increased  to  eighteen;  Baptist, 
Methodist,  Presbyterian,  and  Episcopalian.  There  were  forty 
clergymen  in  the  colonies,  and  all  the  churches  not  only  regu- 
larly supplied  with  preaching,  but  religious  meetings  weekly 
held  in  the  native  villages. 

Seven  hundred  of  the  colonists,  or  one-fifth  of  the  whole 
population,  were  professed  Christians,  in  good  standing  with 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  569 

the  several  churches  with  which  they  stood  connected.  Sunday- 
schools,  and  Bible  classes,  were  established  generally  in  the 
churches,  into  which,  in  many  cases,  the  native  children  were 
gathered  with  those  of  the  colonists. 

There  were  ten  week-day  schools  in  all  the  settlements,  sup- 
ported generally  by  education  and  missionary  societies.  The 
teachers  in  most  cases  were  coloured  persons. 

In  some  places,  as  at  Bassa  Cove,  literary  societies  had  been 
formed,  on  the  plan  of  village  lyceums  in  this  country.  With 
some  were  connected  museums  for  the  collection  of  natural  curi- 
osities. 

At  Bassa  Cove  and  Monrovia  there  were  public  libraries  for 
the  use  of  the  people.  The  one  at  the  former  place  numbered 
about  fifteen  hundred  volumes. 

The  colonies  have  a  well  organized  and  efficient  militia. 
The  officers  and  men  exhibited  a  degree  of  enthusiasm  in  the 
performance  of  their  duty  seldom  witnessed  elsewhere;  and  on. 
field-days  their  neat  and  orderly  appearance,  their  thorough 
discipline,  and  the  promptness  and  precision  of  their  evolutions, 
commanded  the  admiration  of  observers,  who  had  seen  more 
famous  soldiery.  They  had  also  a  number  of  volunteer  corps, 
regularly  uniformed  and  equipped. 

The  government  of  the  colony  had  now  for  a  long  time  de- 
volved upon  Lieutenant-Governor  Williams.  With  the  efficiency 
of  his  labours  the  Board  were  fully  satisfied;  and  they  fre- 
quently renew  the  expression  of  their  general  satisfaction  with 
the  ability,  prudence,  and  economy  of  his  administration.  He 
was  ever  a  faithful  and  laborious  man,  and  it  was  well  for  the 
gjeneral  interests  of  the  colony  that  the  departure  of  the  last 
Governor  left  its  affairs  in  the  hands  of  one,  who  by  his  expe- 
rience and  ability  was  so  well  qualified  to  superintend  them. 
But  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  Board  that  the  time  had  not  yet 
arrived  when  the  interests,  present  and  prospective,  of  the 
colony  would  permit  it  to  remain  permanently  under  the  govern- 
ment of  a  colonist.  We  took  notice  in  our  last  chapter  of  the 
arrangement  entered  into  between  the  directors  of  the  different 
colonial  establishments  on  the  coast,  with  the  exception  of  that  of 
the  Maryland  State  Society,  bj''  which  they  agreed  to  form  them- 
selves into  an  united  government  under  the  general  direction  of 
the  parent  society,  under  the  name  and  style  of  the  "Common- 
wealth of  Liberia."  At  a  succeeding  meeting  of  the  Board 
48* 


570  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

and  delegates,  this  plan  was  consummated,  and  a  temporary- 
arrangement  was  also  made  with  the  Mississippi  society, 
whereby  their  late  colony  was  received  into  the  common- 
wealth. Under  the  new  arrangement  a  general  Board  of  Di- 
rectors was  established  and  appointed,  and  Thomas  Buchanan, 
Esq.,  was  appointed  Governor  of  the  commonwealth.  About 
the  same  time  Mr.  Buchanan  received  his  commission  from  the 
United  States  government,  as  agent  for  the  recaptured  Africans 
in  Liberia.  He  embarked  on  board  the  society's  ship  Saluda, 
which  also  carried  out  some  emigrants  to  the  colony  from  New 
York  and  Norfolk.  He  was  provided  by  the  society  with  a 
large  quantity  of  trade  goods,  agricultural  implements,  a  sugar 
mill,  SlCj^;  also,  means  of  obtaining,  at  the  Cape  de  Verd  islands, 
a  supply  of  working  animals  for  the  colony.  Government  at 
the  same  time  ordered  a  vessel  to  the  coast  from  which  the 
colony  was  furnished  with  a  much  needed  supply  of  armSj 
ammunition,  cannon,  naval  boats,  and  stores. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 


COMMONWEALTH  OF  LIBERIA  UNDER  GOVERNOR  BUCHANAN. 

With  the  year  1839  commences  a  new  era  in  the  history  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society.  The  Board  announced 
with  confidence,  that  there  never  had  been  a  time,  in  the  his- 
tory of  colonization,  when  there  was  so  much  to  encourage 
the  friends  of  this  noble  enterprise.  In  every  section  of  the 
country  a  new  and  efficient  interest  was  awakened.  An  in- 
creased spirit  and  activity  began  to  show  itself  in  all  directions. 
The  demand  for  knowledge,  in  the  public,  was  greater,  and 
there  was  a  larger  number  of  agents  in  the  field,  than  had 
been  at  any  previous  time.  This  demand  was  answered, 
especially,  by  the  eloquent  and  indefatigable  Gurley,  in  Ohio, 
and  other  parts  of  the  West  and  South-west,  and  by  the  phi- 
lanthropic Cresson  in  New  England.     These  ancient  and  well- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  571 

tried  friends  to  the  cause,  and  to  humanity,  were  again  in  the 
field,  silencing  the  rage  of  malignants,  stopping  the  mouths  of 
gainsayers,  and  every  where  by  their  arguments  and  their  elo- 
quence multiplying  new  and  stimulating  the  old  friends,  in  the 
cause.  The  attention  of  commercial  men  began,  also,  to  be 
aroused  to  the  importance  of  the  colonies  in  view  of  their  in- 
exhaustible resources  of  commercial  profit.  It  was  shown  tliat 
although  the  British  government  had  expended  more  than  thirty 
millions  of  dollars  on  the  Sierra  Leone  colony,  they  still  thought 
themselves  fully  recompensed  in  securing  the  trade  of  middle 
Africa,  that  a  very  large  amount  of  British  shipping  was  already 
employed  in  it,  that  large  quantities  of  British  goods  were 
carried  into  the  interior  by  colonists  and  native  merchants,  the 
most  valuable  and  portable  articles  of  produce  being  received 
in  return,  consisting  of  ivory,  gums,  and  gold  dust.  In  addition 
to  these  articles,  a  very  large  coasting  trade  was  carried  on  in 
cam-wood,  palm  oil,  teak,  and  other  wood  for  ship  building, 
besides  an  unknown  variety  of  the  most  beautiful  and  valuable 
woods  for  ornamental  furniture.  Mr.  Elliott  Cresson,  examined 
before  a  committee  of  the  House  on  the  foreign  slave  trade, 
in  February,  1839,  stated  in  answer  to  the  question,  "What 
will  be  the  commercial  and  political  advantages  to  the  United 
States,  from  an  intercourse  with  the  colony  of  Liberia?" 
"Among  the  valuable  articles  of  export,  wax  and  spices  are 
obtained  in  large  quantities.  The  India  rubber  tree  grows 
wild  in  the  neighbouring  woods,  and  ostrich  feathers  have  been 
exported  largely.  Hides  could  be  obtained  in  any  quantities; 
so  could  rose  wood,  lance  wood,  and  palm  wood,  and  live  oak 
of  the  best  quality.  One  merchant  in  Philadelphia  last  year 
imported  from  the  colony  a  quantity  of  pea  or  ground  nuts, 
from  which  he  realized  the  profit  of  twelve  thousand  dollars. 
Cotton,  of  a  very  good  staple,  is  found  there,  and  cultivated 
with  great  advantage  as  there  is  no  frost  there.  And  the  arti- 
cles desired  in  return,  are  those  produced  by  American  manu- 
factures and  agriculture." 

In  view  of  the  almost  unlimited  resources  of  trade  as  offered 
by  the  African  continent,  commercial  men  might  find  it  very 
much  to  their  advantage  to  consult  the  chapters  in  Sir  T.  F. 
Buxton's  work  on  the  African  Slave  Trade  and  its  Remedy, 
and  Kennedy's  Report,  Twenty-seventh  Congress,  on  African 
colonization,  slave  trade,  and  commerce.     "It  is  very  possible," 


572  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

says  one  of  the  most  enlightened  statesmen  of  our  country, 
"in  fifteen  or  twenty  years,  the  commerce  of  Liberia  will  em- 
ploy a  greater  amount  of  American  tonnage,  than  is  now  em- 
ployed in  the  trade  carried  on  with  all  the  northern  powers  of 
Europe,  to  whom  we  send  ministers  and  agents,  and  of  whose 
favour  and  proceedings  we  are  so  jealous  on  account  of  that 
trade."  "The  Americans,"  says  the  Westminster  Review, 
'•'are  successfully  planting  free  negroes  on  the  coast  of  Africa; 
a  greater  event  probably  in  its  consequences  than  any  that  has 
occurred  since  Columbus  set  sail  for  the  new  world." 

The  health  of  Governor  Buchanan  suffered  severely  for  seve- 
ral months  after  his  arrival  at  the  colony;  but  this  did  not  pre- 
vent him  from  entering  immediately  upon  the  arduous  and 
complicated  duties  of  his  office.  The  day  after  his  inaugura- 
tion he  commenced  the  tour  of  the  colonies,  and  set  himself  at 
once  to  correcting  whatever  defects  were  apparent  in  the  colo- 
nial system,  and  placed  its  administration  upon  such  a  footing, 
that  from  this  time,  if  never  before  since  the  days  of  Ashmun, 
we  perceive  a  dignity  and  order  connected  therewith  which 
constrains  us  to  yield  it  that  respect  and  homage  which  it  is 
natural  for  us  to  yield  to  every  regular  government.  No  one 
can  read  the  despatches,  or  watch  the  measures  of  Governor 
Buchanan,  without  feeling  at  once  that  he  beholds  the  evidences 
of  a  truly  great  and  remarkable  character.  Almost  his  first 
public  act  was  the  seizure  of  a  vessel  under  American  colours 
that  had  long  been  hovering  on  the  coast  under  circumstances 
which  clearly  evinced  that  she  was  a  slaver,  and  sending  her 
home  for  trial.  This  was  a  bold  step,  and  one  exposing  him- 
self to  much  personal  risk;  "but,"  says  he  in  explaining  this 
transaction  to  the  General  Agent  at  home,  "could  you  see,  my 
dear  sir,  as  I  see,  the  multiplied  miseries  that  this  devilish 
traffic  is  daily  inflicting  upon  this  unhappy  country,  you 
would,  like  me,  forget  every  pecuniary  consideration  in  your 
desire  to  destroy  it.  At  this  moment  the  whole  country  along 
the  northern  bank  of  the  St.  Paul's  river  is  involved  in  bloody 
wars.  Whole  districts  are  laid  waste;  towns  are  burned.  The 
old  and  the  young  who  are  unfit  for  the  market,  are  butchered, 
and  hundreds  and  thousands  are  driven  in  chains  to  the  coast, 
or  compelled  to  fly  the  country.  Within  the  past  month,  a 
whole  tribe,  including  several  kings,  have  fled  their  country 
and  come  to  us  for  protection.     But  I  cannot  tell  you  the  ten- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  573 

thousandth  part  of  the  evil.  Fire,  famine,  blood,  and  chains, 
are  the  necessary  elements  of  the  slave  trade,  and  every  con- 
ceivable combination  of  these  elements  are  daily  produced  in 
this  wretched  land.  0,  my  country!  how  enormous  is  thy 
guilt  in  this  matter — how  deep  thy  debt  to  poor  Africa!" 

By  the  same  promptness  and  decision  was  Governor  Bucha- 
nan actuated  in  reference  to  another  measure  connected  with 
the  same  subject,  and  involving  a  question  equally  dubious  and 
equally  hazardous,  at  which  ordinary  minds  would  have  faltered. 
We  will  narrate  the  circumstances  of  this  occurrence  in  his  own 
words. 

"Little  Bassa,  as  you  are  aware,  has  been  for  years  the  theatre 
of  considerable  business,  carried  on  both  by  the  colonists  and 
foreigners,  and  the  subject  of  colonial  jurisdiction  over  the  coun- 
try has  been  the  theme  of  much  discussion  here  and  in  America. 
But,  though  the  right  of  soil  claimed  by  the  government  here 
last  year  was  questioned  by  the  Board,  (and,  in  my  opinion, 
justly,)  I  believe  they  have  never  forbid  the  right  of  jurisdic- 
tion, which  has  been  clearly  acknowledged  asbelonging  to  the 
colony  in  several  treaties  with  the  native  princes  and  headmen. 
On  my  arrival  here  in  April  last,  I  assumed  the  right  of  our  juris- 
diction over  the  territory  along  the  seaboard,  as  to  foreigners 
especially^  as  indisputable,  and  ordered  a  slaver  who  had  esta- 
blished himself  there,  to  leave  within  a  given  time  on  pain  of 
having  his  property  confiscated.  This  trader  had  been  some 
months  here,  and  had  been  ordered  away  in  November  pre- 
vious by  Mr.  Williams,  the  acting  governor,  and  again  a  short 
time  before  my  arrival,  both  of  which  orders  he  treated  with 
contempt.  To  my  message,  however,  he  saw  fit  to  return  a 
very  courteous  answer,  promising  obedience,  but  alleging  the 
want  of  a  suitable  vessel  to  remove  his  goods,  and  requesting 
time  for  that  purpose.  I  replied  that  suitable  time  would  be 
granted  on  condition  that  he  desisted  from  the  further  prosecu- 
tion of  his  business,  and  again  positively  forbade  his  buying  or 
selling  slaves  while  he  remained  there.  About  the  same  time 
an  English  trader  established  what  is  here  called  a  factory  for 
regular  trade,  and  put  a  small  amount  of  goods  ashore  in  charge 
of  a  native  factor.  Him  also  I  ordered  off,  and  threatened  the 
seizure  of  his  goods  in  case  of  refusal.  He  treated  my  message 
with  great  rudeness,  and  positively  refused  to  leave.  The  slaver 
in  the  mean  time  having  obtained  renewed  assurances  of  pro- 


574  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

tection  from  the  native  princes,  began  to  enlarge  his  operations, 
by  extending  his  baracoon,  adding  to  his  stores,  and  making 
every  arrangement  for  a  large  and  permanent  establishment. 
And  to  my  further  remonstrances  he  now  paid  no  attention, 
feeling  himself  too  strong  and  well  backed  to  fear  my  authority. 
In  this  juncture  I  could  not  hesitate  as  to  the  course  to  be 
adopted,  and  determined  at  once  to  maintain  the  rights  of  the 
colony  at  all  hazards.  My  arrangements  were  soon  made,  and, 
without  any  previous  intimation  of  my  design,  I  ordered  a  mili- 
tary parade  on  the  18th  ultimo  at  7  o'clock,  p.  m.  When  the 
men  were  assembled,  I  stated  to  them  briefly  what  had  occurred, 
and  declared  my  intention  of  proceeding  immediately  against 
those  foreign  violators  of  our  laws.  To  my  call  for  forty  volun- 
teers who  were  willing  to  hazard  their  lives  in  defence  of  the 
government,  a  ready  response  was  given,  and  I  had  the  plea- 
sure of  soon  seeing  my  number  more  than  complete.  The  next 
day  I  despatched  an  order  to  New  Georgia  for  twenty-five 
volunteers,  to  be  ready  that  evening  if  required,  to  join  the 
Monrovians.  These  faithful  fellows,  (recaptured  Africans,)  who 
are  ever  ready  at  the  call  of  their  adopted  country  for  any  ser- 
vice, turned  out  to  the  number  of  thirty-five,  and  reported 
themselves  ready  for  instant  duty.  I  then  chartered  two  small 
schooners,  which,  with  the  government  schooner  Providence^ 
were  to  proceed  with  a  supply  of  ammunition  by  sea,  and  be 
ready  on  the  arrival  of  the  land  force  to  cooperate  in  such 
manner  as  might  appear  advisable, 

"These  measures  were  taken  on  Friday  and  Saturday,  (the 
first  intimation  of  the  expedition  having  been  given  on  Thurs- 
day evening,)  and  on  IMonday  morning,  the  22d  ultimo,  at  9 
o'clock,  the  men  took  up  the  line  of  march  under  command  of 
M\\  Elijah  Johnson,  (the  veteran  hero  of  the  memorable  defence 
of  Monrovia,)  and  in  a  couple  of  hours  afterwards  the  little 
fleet  put  to  sea  in  gallant  style,  though  a  strong  head  wind  and 
heavy  current  prevented  their  passing  the  Cape  that  day. 

"Mr.  William  N.  Lewis,  the  marshal  of  the  colony,  was 
charged  with  the  direction  of  the  expedition,  and  in  the  execu- 
tion of  my  orders,  (which  were  strictly  of  a  civil  character,)  was 
only  to  employ  the  assistance  of  the  military  force  in  the  last 
extremity.  In  my  addresses  to  the  men  I  took  the  greatest 
pains  to  impress  upon  them  the  idea,  that  the  expedition  was 
not  for  war  or  plunder,  but  solely  to  sustain  a  civil  oflicer  in  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  575 

discharge  of  an  important  duty.  And  I  enjoined  upon  them 
the  duty  of  orderly  deportment,  obedience  to  their  officers,  and 
the  strictest  discipUne,  particularly  in  reference  to  the  property 
and  feelings  of  the  natives  through  whose  country  they  might 
pass.  When  the  men  were  formed  in  line,  and  ready  to  march, 
I  found  the  nmiiber  had  swelled  to  about  a  hundred,  so  great 
was  the  enthusiasm  in  favour  of  the  expedition. 

"  The  wind  continued  unfortunately  to  blow  up  the  coast  the 
whole  of  Tuesday,  and  on  Wednesday  morning,  to  my  conster- 
nation, I  saw  our  small  vessels  putting  back  around  the  Cape, 
having  been  about  sixty  hours  in  vain  attempting  to  get  to  sea. 
You  may  imagine  my  feelings  at  that  moment;  I  can  never 
describe  them.  Tlie  worst  apprehensions  for  the  fate  of  the 
expedition  filled  my  mind.  Thus  deprived  of  the  assistance  of 
the  schooners,  their  small  supply  of  ammunition  and  provisions 
would  soon  be  exhausted  in  an  emergency,  and  they  might  be 
left  in  the  midst  of  enemies  witliout  the  means  of  resistance  or 
retreat.  It  was  at  this  moment  of  gloomy  forebodings  that  Sir 
Francis  Russel  arrived  and  put  the  fine,  fast  sailing  schooner 
Euphrates  (a  captured  slaver,)  into  my  possession.  My  plan 
was  adopted  on  the  instant,  and,  landing  her  captain  and  crew, 
I  went  on  board  with  arms,  ammunition,  &c.,  and  proceeded 
immediately  in  person  to  Little  Bassa.  Within  two  hours  and 
a  half  of  the  time  I  received  her  papers,  I  had  lier  under  way 
in  her  new  service,  from  the  harbour.  At  daylight  on  Friday 
morning,  the  26th  ultimo,  we  were  at  anchor  off  Little  Bassa, 
and  before  we  could  distinguish  objects  through  the  early  dawn 
on  shore,  I  despatched  a  canoe  to  learn  the  state  of  affairs,  and 
to  acquaint  our  people  with  the  news  of  my  arrival.  In  a  few 
moments  the  opening  day  began  to  reveal  a  scene  of  thrilling 
and  fearful  interest.  In  the  midst  of  a  small  opening  in  the 
forest  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  the  beach  stood  the 
baracoon,  a  circular  palisade  fence  about  ten  feet  high,  en- 
closing some  half  dozen  houses  of  native  construction,  from  the 
sides  of  which  we  could  distinctly  see  the  flashes  of  guns  follow- 
ing each  other  in  quick  succession,  while  from  the  woods 
around  a  continuous  blaze  burst  forth  toward  the  baracoon  from 
every  quarter.  Here  was  war  in  open  view  closely  and  fierce- 
ly waged;  but  of  every  thing  else  we  could  only  form  conjec- 
tures. Whether  our  friends  were  in  the  baracoon  or  the  woods — 
the  besieged  or  the  besiegers — was  matter  of  the  most  anxious 


576  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

doubt.  Soon,  however,  we  were  relieved  from  one  source  of 
anxiety  by  the  return  of  the  Krooman,  who  had  landed  a  short 
distance  below  the  baracoon,  and  obtained  information  from 
the  Kroomen  there  of  the  progress  of  the  battle.  His  first 
words  were,  when  wiihin  haihng  distance,  "  Dem  live  for  fight 
dare  now.  'Merica  man  had  baracoon — countrymen  lib  woods 
all  round — fish  men  stay  brack.  Pose  you  go  shore,  Gobeno, 
you  catch  prenty  balls."  It  was  now  a  matter  of  some  doubt 
what  course  to  pursue.  The  Euphrates  was  well  known  as  a 
slaver,  and  should  we  attempt  to  land  in  a  body,  our  own  peo- 
ple taking  us  for  Spaniards  coming  to  reinforce  the  enemy, 
would  certainly  fire  on  us,  and  perhaps  retreat  from  the  bara- 
coon. To  convey  information  to  them,  then,  and  learn  their 
position  and  wants  was  an  object  of  the  first  interest.  An 
American  seaman  volunteered  to  carry  a  letter  to  the  baracoon. 
I  told  him  it  was  a  mission  of  danger.  He  answered,  •'  Never 
mind,  I  will  go."  Accordingly,  I  despatched  him  with  a  note 
to  the  commander  of  our  force  ashore.  As  I  had  foreseen,  the 
appearance  of  the  Euphrates  had  caused  great  alarm  among 
our  people,  and  when  they  saw  a  second  canoe  from  her  land- 
ing a  white  man,  it  was  at  once  concluded  that  it  was  for  the 
purpose  of  concerting  measures  with  the  natives  for  a  combined 
attack  on  the  baracoon.  Consequently,  Mr.  E.  Johnson  made 
a  sally  from  the  baracoon  to  cut  off  the  white  man,  and,  most 
providentially,  he  had  just  landed  and  fallen  among  the  enemy, 
who,  discovering  his  real  character,  were  about  to  despatch  him 
with  their  knives,  when  Johnson's  party  rushed  furiously  upon 
them  and  compelled  them  to  a  hasty  flight.  The  fellow  who 
held  the  sailor,  and  who  was  busy  with  his  knife  at  his  throat, 
was  shot  down,  and  the  poor  sailor  was  thus  happily  released 
at  the  last  moment.  After  the  canoe  left  with  my  letter,  I  be- 
came so  impatient  to  give  those  ashore  our  assistance,  that  I 
could  not  wait  the  return  of  the  canoe,  but,  having  watched 
her  till  she  was  beached,  and  knowing  if  successful  she  would 
have  conveyed  information  to  our  friends  before  we  could  reach 
the  shore,  I  mustered  our  little  party  in  two  boats  and  pushed 
off.  The  canoe  returned  first  after  we  had  started.  The  Kroo- 
men seemed  highly  excited,  and  told  us  they  had  been  fired 
upon  in  landing,  proof  of  which  was  given  by  a  ball  hole 
through  both  sides  of  the  canoe.  As  we  approached  the  shore 
we  could  observe  distinctly  the  movements  and  position  of  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  577 

combatants.  Both  sides  of  the  narrow  path  leading  to  the 
baracoon  were  lined  with  nativ^es  concealed  by  the  close  bushes, 
and  the  surrounding  wood  seemed  literally  alive  with  them. 
Along  the  path  thus  guarded  by  a  watchful  and  savage  enemy 
we  had  to  pass;  it  was  a  fearful  gantlet,  but  no  man  faltered. 
We  kept  boldly  onward  to  the  shore,  each  man  with  a  loaded 
musket  on  his  knee.  When  about  fifty  rods  from  the  beach,  a 
small  party  of  five  or  six  came  out  of  the  woods  to  fire  at  us, 
but  without  waiting  their  salute,  I  rose  in  the  stern  sheets,  and 
taking  deliberate  aim  fired  into  the  group,  upon  which  they 
scattered  instantly  without  firing  a  gun.  In  landing  I  got  cap- 
sized, but,  though  nearly  drowned,  I  held  on  to  my  musket  and 
carried  it  ashore  safely. 

"  The  revulsion  of  feeling  among  those  in  the  baracoon  from 
the  greatest  alarm  at  the  approach  of  a  supposed  enemy  to  sud- 
den joy  on  finding  a  reinforcement  of  friends  with  supplies  of 
'ammunition,  and  having  command  of  the  harbour,  was,  as  may 
be  supposed,  extreme.  Caps  were  thrown  up,  and  loud  and 
repeated  huzzas  greeted  me  as  I  crossed  the  threshold  of  the 
baracoon.  For  a  moment  all  seemed  to  forget  the  presence  of 
the  enemy,  and  even  the  shower  of  balls  which  came  rattling 
around  them  were  unheeded  in  their  eager  rejoicings.  But  it 
was  only  for  a  moment;  each  man  again  rushed  to  his  post  and 
engaged  with  new  zeal  in  returning  with  interest  the  heavy 
fire  from  the  woods. 

"  I  now  ordered  the  houses  without  the  palisade  to  be  des- 
troyed. Of  these  there  were  some  fifteen  or  twenty  which  had 
Iiitherto  afforded  a  fine  cover  to  the  natives.  This  work  was 
accomplished  with  great  promptitude,  though  the  men  were 
exposed  to  a  galling  fire  while  engaged  at  it.  I  then  directed 
Mr.  Johnson  to  take  a  party  of  thirty  or  forty  men  and  make  a 
sally  into  a  thicket  of  wood  from  which  we  were  most  severely 
annoyed,  and  drive  the  natives  from  it.  This  duty  he  perform- 
ed with  his  accustomed  bravery,  and  cleared  the  woods,  when 
a  party  of  axemen  followed  and  soon  levelled  it,  so  that  we 
now  had  a  considerable  space  on  three  sides  clear  of  bushes 
and  houses.  The  enemy  kept  up  a  continuous  fire  throughout 
the  day  from  different  points,  though  whenever  we  charged 
upon  them  they  fled  precipitately.  At  two  different  times  I 
headed  parties  in  these  charges,  and  made  excursions  of  nearly 
a  mile  through  the  woods  and  along  the  beach.  We  burned 
49 


578  HisToar  of  African  colonization. 

two  small  towns  which  were  deserted,  but  could  not  get  near 
enough  the  enemy  to  do  him  much  injury. 

"  Soon  after  my  arrival  at  the  baracoon,  (as  we  had  now 
quiet  possession  of  the  path  to  the  beach,)  I  ordered  the  Kroo- 
men  to  commence  shipping  the  property  seized  by  the  mar- 
shal; and  this  work  was  continued  industriously  all  day,  while 
the  rest  were  as  industriously  fighting  and  guarding  the  Kroo- 
men  in  their  labour.  At  dark  we  drew  up  the  boats  and  canoes 
within  the  barricade,  and  closed  the  gates,  when  the  firing 
ceased  on  both  sides,  and  our  wearied  men  were  permitted  a 
little  rest,  which  was  taken,  however,  upon  their  arms. 

"  The  next  morning  at  sunrise  the  battle  was  renewed  by  our 
indefatigable  enemy,  who  gave  us  thus  early  a  full  salute  from 
a  dozen  places  at  once.  I  occupied  the  upper  story  of  a  native 
built  house,  the  walls  and  partitions  of  which  were  of  matting, 
and  afforded  no  other  protection  than  that  of  concealment.  At 
every  discharge  from  the  enemy  their  slugs  and  balls  rattled' 
through  and  through  it  like  hail. 

"  This  morning,  Mr.  E.  Johnson  led  a  party  through  the 
woods  into  an  open  rice  field,  where  he  encountered  a  con- 
siderable party  of  natives,  and  after  a  brief  contest  routed  and 
drove  them  oft',  but  not  without  sustaining  some  injury.  He 
received  himself  two  wounds,  and  three  of  his  men  were 
wounded,  some  in  two  or  three  places,  but  none  seriously. 
An  examination  being  now  made  of  the  state  of  our  ammuni- 
tion, 1  was  astonished  to  find  the  stock  growing  low,  so 
immense  had  been  the  consumption  of  this  article  during  the 
last  four  hours.  Fearing  a  scarcity,  should  the  fight  be  con- 
tinued much  longer,  as  seemed  probable,  I  determined  to  re- 
turn to  Monrovia  for  more.  Accordingly,  about  noon  I  em- 
barked in  the  government  schooner  Euphrates  and  sailed  for 
this  place.  I  arrived  here  at  eleven  o'clock  that  evening,  and 
immediately  gave  orders  to  get  the  necessary  supplies.  The 
next  morning  our  town  presented  an  un-Sunday-like  appearance. 
Drums  were  beating,  soldiers  gathering,  the  boats  were  plying 
on  the  water,  and  all  was  bustle  and  excitement  both  in  doors 
and  out.  So  great  was  the  expedition  used  in  the  despatch  of 
business,  that  at  two  o'clock,  p.  m.,  we  had  on  board  forty 
more  volunteers,  two  field  pieces,  fourteen  thousand  ball  car- 
tridges, with  all  the  necessary  et  ceteras,  and  were  again  weigh- 
ing anchor  for  the  scene  of  action. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  579 

"  The  reason  of  my  taking  such  a  reinforcement  of  men  was, 
that  information  which  I  thought  could  be  reUed  on  had  been 
given  me  on  Sunday  morning,  that  Lang,  the  EngUshman 
whose  factory  at  Little  Bassa  we  had  destroyed,  had  obtained 
the  cooperation  of  the  Prince  of  Tradetown,  and  was  on  his 
way  to  join  the  natives  at  Little  Bassa.  The  character  of  Lang 
rendered  this  probable,  and  so  many  other  circumstances  con- 
curred to  corroborate  the  information  that  I  could  not  doubt  it. 
Every  thing  depended,  then,  upon  our  reaching  the  battle 
ground  and  making  our  arrangements  first.  Contrary  winds, 
however,  prevented  our  getting  there  until  Tuesday  morning) 
when  lo  !  about  a  mile  before  us  appeared  a  large  brig  standing 
directly  into  the  anchorage  ground.  Those  of  our  party  who 
knew  Lang's  brig  declared  it  to  be  her,  and  of  course  we  had 
nothing  to  expect  but  a  battle  with  her  at  once.  I  ordered  the 
six-pounder  to  be  cleared  away  for  action,  and  the  men  mus- 
tered to  man  the  boats  for  boarding.  All  was  ready  in  a  few 
minutes  for  the  action,  which  seemed  inevitable,  when  we  had 
the  pleasure  to  see  the  brig  turning  her  head  towards  the  lee- 
ward and  soon  afterwards  she  was  out  of  sight.  Whether  it 
was  Lang  or  not  I  have  as  yet  not  learned ;  we  saw  no  more 
of  him.  On  landing  I  found  the  fighting  had  not  been  renewed 
after  I  left,  and  immediately  I  despatched  messengers  to  Prince 
and  Bah  Gay,  the  two  chief  princes  of  the  country,  demanding 
the  instant  surrender  of  the  slaves,  (which  on  the  approach  of 
our  party  had  been  carried  off  by  the  slaver  to  the  natives,) 
and  requiring  them  to  come  in  and  make  peace  within  twenty- 
four  hours  or  expect  my  severest  chastisement.  These  messen- 
gers returned  in  the  evening,  bringing  word  that  Bah  Gay  and 
Prince  would  both  meet  me  on  the  beach  the  next  day  with 
the  slaves,  and  comply  fully  with  all  my  terms.  Having  now 
completed  the  shipment  of  all  the  goods  found  at  the  baracoon 
and  sent  our  wounded  on  board  the  schooner,  I  proceeded  to 
complete  our  arrangement  for  the  homeward  march  so  soon  as 
the  treaty  should  be  concluded.  The  next  day  a  white  flag 
was  displayed  on  the  beach  about  half  a  mile  from  the  bara- 
coon, (now  named  '  Fort  Victory.'')  I  sent  a  small  party  out 
to  meet  it,  who  on  returning  informed  me  that  Bah  Gay  was 
waiting  some  distance  further  up  the  beach,  but  was  afraid  to 
approach  nearer.  I  immediately  marched  out  with  an  escort 
of  seventy  men  to  meet  his  majesty,  who,  after  a  good  deal  of 


5S0  HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

delay,  came  forth  from  the  bush  where  he  had  been  secreted  all 
the  morning.  About  three  hundred  warriors  attended  him  as 
a  body  guard,  but  in  the  midst  of  this  host  he  exhibited  tbe 
strongest  indications  of  fear.  Before  saying  a  word  he  put  into 
my  possession  two  slaves,  (one  had  been  sent  in  the  evening 
previous,)  and  informed  me  that  the  rest,  ten  in  number,  were 
in  possession  of  Prince.  After  some  conversation,  in  whicli  he 
deplored  in  the  strongest  terms  his  folly  in  making  war  upon 
the  Americans,  he  submitted  to  the  terms  of  peace  which  I  dic- 
tated, and  signed  a  treaty  which  I  wrote  on  the  moment  upon 
a  drum  head,  acknowledging  our  jurisdiction  over  the  country, 
pledging  himself  never  to  deal  in  slaves  again,  and  agreeing  to 
make  full  compensation  for  all  the  property  destroyed  by  his 
people  belonging  to  our  traders  during  the  war. 

"  The  chief  headman  and  about  thirty  of  Prince's  people  were 
present,  who  declared  most  solemnly  that  Prince  was  on  his 
way  to  the  beach  with  the  slaves.  I  told  them  if  he  came  that 
day  he  should  have  peace,  otherwise  I  should  regard  him  as  an 
enemy,  and  take  the  earliest  opportunity  of  carrying  war  into 
his  country. 

"We  then  marched  back  to  Fort  Victory  with  our freedmen 
in  the  centre  of  the  column.  In  the  evening  another  slave  was 
brought  in  with  a  message  that  Prince  would  be  at  the  beach 
at  daylight  the  next  morning  with  the  rest.  Morning  came, 
however,  without  bringing  his  majesty,  and,  after  waiting  till 
after  sunrise,  I  ordered  the  encampment  to  be  broken  up,  and 
the  march  to  be  commenced,  and  with  the  four  freedmen  went 
on  board  the  schooner.  After  seeing  the  troops  well  under  way, 
we  weighed  anchor  and  proceeded  to  Monrovia." 

On  the  1st  of  August  the  Saluda  sailed  from  Norfolk,  Virgi- 
nia, with  thirty-nine  emigrants  for  the  colony  at  Monrovia. 
The  return  of  this  vessel  brought  tlie  most  cheering  news  from 
all  the  colonies.  The  Episcopal  mission  at  Cape  Palmas,  had 
been  greatly  enlarged,  and  a  letter  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Payne  gives 
a  delightful  account  of  the  state  of  religion  in  that  settlement. 
The  Annual  Report  of  the  Methodist  Conference  also  speaks 
of  the  great  moral  and  religious  prosperity  within  their  bounds. 

At  home,  a  proposition  was  maturing  for  pushing  the  influ- 
ence of  the  colony  into  the  interior,  by  means  of  a  public  high- 
way, and  thus  eventually  obtaining  a  site  for  a  mountain 
colonv. 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  581 

A  letter  from  Captain  Bell,  of  the  United  States  brig  Dolphin, 
contains  a  large  amount  of  valuable  and  highly  interesting  in- 
formation respecting  the  colonies.  He  observes,  "that  the  most 
intelligent  among  the  colonists  are  those  who  had  been  longest 
in  the  colony,  and  were  formerly  slaves.  The  editor  of  the  Li- 
beria Herald,  (a  man  of  talent  and  education,)  the  colonial 
secretary,  the  lieutenant-governor,  the  storekeeper  of  the  colony, 
(a  place  of  great  responsibility,)  were  slaves;  and  old  Colonel 
Johnson,  the  hero  of  five  wars  and  many  encounters  with  the 
natives,  was  also  a  slave.  This  last  person  was  one  of  the  first 
settlers,  and,  with  eighteen  men,  defeated  upwards  of  one 
thousand,  during  the  time  of  Ashmun.  This  was  the  turning 
point  of  the  settlement;  a  defeat  would  have  exterminated 
every  man,  woman,  and  child  in  the  colony." 

Says  Lieutenant  Paine,  "my  opinion  of  the  importance  of  the 
colonies,  is  quite  changed  from  a  nearer  view  of  their  actual 
state  and  capacities.  I  had  supposed  them  weak,  and  their  in- 
fluence limited.  I  found  them  exercising  a  moral  influence 
calculated  to  do  more  for  the  cause  of  humanity  than  I  had  be- 
lieved possible,  from  the  restricted  means  of  the  society  in  the 
United  States." 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 


WARS    WITH    THE    NATIVES, 

We  have  spoken  in  a  former  chapter  of  the  wars  which  were 
raging  among  the  native  tribes.  The  Dey  tribe  was  par- 
ticularly unfortunate  in  these  wars,  and  the  remnant  of  this 
miserable  people  being  expelled  from  their  country,  took  re- 
fuge in  the  colony.  A  number  of  them  were  living  on  some  of 
the  colonists'  farms,  near  Millsburg,  peaceable  and  safe  as  they 
supposed,  under  the  protection  of  the  colony,  when  suddenly 
a  savage  chief  by  the  name  of  Gatoomba  burst  upon  them, 
49* 


582  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

wounded  four  in  a  dreadful  manner,  and  carried  twelve  into 
slavery.     The  whole  number,  about  twenty,  would  have  been 
killed  or  captured,  had  not  the  people  of  Millsburg,  providen- 
tially been  alarmed  by  the  reports  of  the  guns,  and  gathered 
hastily  to  the  rescue.     As  soon  as  the  report  of  the  alarm  drum 
was  heard,  the  marauders  fled  precipitately.     An  express  was 
sent  immediately  to  Governor  Buchanan,  informing  him  of  this 
outrage,  who  immediately  hastened  to  Millsburg;  and  as  the 
people   feared   another   attack   from  the   dreaded   Gatoomba, 
he  took  immediate  measures  to  guard   against  it.     The  gun 
carriages   were    put   in   order,   and   an   additional    supply   of 
small  arms  and  ammunition  were  sent  up,  while  the  strictest 
watch  was  established  in  the  environs  of  the  town.     Governor 
Buchanan,  also,  sent  messengers  to  Gatoomba,  with  a  letter 
demanding  an  explanation  of  his  hostile  conduct,  and  asking 
him  to  come  to  Millsburg  and  hold  a  palaver.     To  this  message 
an  insulting  answer  was  received,  and  an  intimation  from  the 
chief  that  he  was  prepared  for  war,  and  though  he  did  not 
intend  attacking  the  Americans,  he  would  not  allow  them  to 
interfere  with  him.     Governor  Buchanan  was  at  Millsburg  on 
the  receipt  of  this  reply,  but  he  immediately  returned  home, 
assembled  some  of  the  principal  officers  of  government,  laid  the 
matter  before  them,  and  stated  his  impressions,  that  Gatoomba, 
flushed  with  his  recent  success,  would  make  a  descent  upon 
Millsburg,  and  that  the  only  way  to  protect  that  place,  as  well 
as  to  vindicate  the  character  and  authority  of  the  colony,  was 
to  anticipate    him,  and   march   without  a  moment's  delay  to 
attack  him  in  his  town.     All  the  officers  agreed  with  Governor 
Buchanan  in  this  decision,  but  thought  it  better  to  send  another 
message  to  him  in  hopes  the  difficulty  would  be  accommodated 
without  bloodshed.     Without  going  farther  into  the  detail  of 
this   negotiation,  five   messengers  were   sent  to  the   town   of 
Gatoomba,  but  as  they  approached  the  gate  of  his  baracoon 
they  were  fired  upon,  and  three  of  them  were  taken  prisoners. 
In  the  mean  time  the  Legislative  Council  assembled,  and  Gov- 
ernor  Buchanan  laid  the  whole  matter   before   them,  and  a 
unanimous   resolution   was   passed,  approving   of  the   course 
which  had  been  adopted,  and  placing  all  the  resources  of  the 
colony  at  his  disposal. 

Things  remained  in  this  state  until  the  Sth  of  March,  when 
suddenly  Gatoomba  burst  upon  Heddington,  and  would  have 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  583 

murdered  all  in  the  place,  if  they  had  not  been  in  a  measure 
prepared  for  it. 

Governor  Buchanan  after  the  first  assault  had  the  precaution 
to  send  up  to  Heddington  some  muskets  and  a  good  snpply  of 
ball-cartridges,  which  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  mission- 
ary, Mr.  Brown,  and  at  the  moment  of  attack  they  were  all 
loaded  in  his  chamber.  Two  Americans  from  Caldwell,  by  the 
name  of  Demery  and  Harris,  were  fortunately  living  in  Mr. 
Brown's  family  at  the  time. 

On  one  side  of  the  town  was  a  large  open  field  of  cassadas, 
near  which  Mr.  Brown's  house  stood.  Here  the  attack  was 
made  about  daylight,  by  some  three  or  four  hundred  savages, 
led  on  in  person  by  the  cannibal  Gotorah.  As  they  marched 
through  the  cassadas,  the  whole  field  seemed  darkened  with 
them,  and  they  set  up  a  yell  that  made  the  whole  forest  re- 
sound. Demery  and  Harris  quietly  stepped  out  of  the  house 
and  took  their  stand  by  the  side  of  the  picket  fence,  which  sur- 
rounded the  house,  where  with  the  most  admirable  coolness 
they  awaited  the  terrible  onset.  The  enemy  came  pressing  on 
like  a  furious  torrent,  without  order  or  caution,  certain  of  glut- 
ting their  fiendish  passions  in  the  blood  of  their  victims;  but 
when  they  had  almost  reached  the  fence  their  course  was  sud- 
denly checked  by  the  deadly  discharge  of  Demery  and  Harris's 
muskets,  which  stretched  several  of  the  leading  warriors  on  the 
ground.  Before  they  could  recover  from  their  surprise.  Brown 
opened  upon  them  from  an  upper  window,  and  for  some  minutes 
kept  up  a  regular  stream  of  fire  upon  the  crowded  and  con- 
fused mass,  which  did  great  execution.  Nor  were  his  two 
brave  associates  idle  after  their  first  timely  discharge.  Scorn- 
ing the  protection  of  the  house,  they  stood  in  the  open  yard, 
exposed  to  a  perfect  storm  of  slugs,  spears,  and  arrows,  and 
loaded  and  fired  with  great  rapidity  and  precision.  One  of 
them  happened  to  have  a  bag  of  buck-shot,  which  they  poured 
into  their  muskets  by  handfuls,  and  the  effect  upon  a  crowd 
of  human  beings,  at  the  distance  of  ten  or  fifteen  yards,  when 
every  ball  and  shot  must  have  told,  may  be  imagined!  Seve- 
ral times  the  savages  gave  ground  under  this  tremendous  fire, 
but  as  often  returned  with  increased  fury  to  the  onset.  At 
length,  when  the  action  had  continued  nearly  an  hour,  and  the 
little  party  at  the  house  was  almost  exhausted  and  nearly  des- 
titute of  ammunition,  Gotorah  made  a  desperate  rush  upon 


5S4  HISTORY    OF  AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

them,  at  the  head  of  his  best  warriors,  towards  one  end  of  the 
house;  he  tore  off  some  of  the  paHngs  with  his  own  hands, 
leaped  the  fence  and  pushed  his  way  within  ten  feet  of  the  door, 
where  Harris  stood  alone  and  without  his  gini,  which  being 
discharged,  and  the  enemy  too  near  to  reload,  he  had  thrown 
down  for  the  purpose  of  seizing  an  axe,  which  he  supposed 
stood  behind  him;  as  he  threw  his  hand  backward  to  seize  the 
weapon,  only  hoping  to  sell  his  life  the  more  dearly,  he  struck 
a  gun,  which  a  moment  before  had  been  placed  there  by  a 
wounded  native  of  the  town,  and  which  most  providentially, 
had  a  heavy  charge  of  slugs  and  ball.  With  the  eagerness  of  des- 
peration he  clutched  it  and  wheeling,  poured  the  whole  contents 
into  the  body  of  Gotorah,  who  fell  to  the  ground  a  mangled 
and  hideous  corpse.  This  decided  the  contest ;  the  death  of 
this  famous  leader  struck  a  panic  into  the  rest,  and  they  made 
but  few  and  feeble  efforts  afterwards  to  continue  the  fight. 

At  the  time  of  this  encounter,  Governor  Buchanan  was  at 
Bassa  Cove,  and  an  express  was  sent  for  him  to  return;  on  his 
arrival  he  found  that  the  place  had  been  fortified  and  a  guard 
of  thirty  men  placed,  a  renewal  of  the  attack  being  dreaded. 

The  people  of  the  upper  settlements  were  thrown  into  a 
great  state  of  alarm  in  consequence  of  this  battle,  and  because 
it  was  reported  that  Gatoomba  with  a  large  force  was  about  to 
make  a  descent  upon  JNlillsburg,  and  take  vengeance  for  the 
death  of  Gotorah  and  his  warriors  who  had  fallen  at  Hedding- 
ton.  Governor  Buchanan,  from  the  circumstances  of  the  case, 
deemed  it  his  duty  to  bring  the  affair  to  a  speedy  termination; 
and  he  determined  to  make  a  sudden  descent  upon  Gatoomba's 
stronghold,  which  was  distant  about  twenty  miles  from  Mills- 
burg. 

On  Monday  morning  the  23d  of  March,  he  commenced 
preparations  for  his  march,  and  on  the  next  day  he  embarked 
nearly  two  hundred  men,  with  arms,  ammunition,  and  a  week's 
provision,  in  boats  for  Millsburg.  "Every  thing,"  says  Gov- 
ernor Buchanan,  "  was  in  readiness  for  the  march,  and  the 
order  was  given  to  move  at  daylight  the  next  morning, 
when  news  was  brought  me  that  a  powerful  chief  from  Bo 
Poro  was  at  Mam-ma  Town,  at  the  mouth  of  St.  Paul's 
river,  with  a  large  party  of  armed  men.  Whether  his  pur- 
pose was  friendly  or  otherwise  it  was  impossible  to  ascertain ; 
but  as   there  was  considerable  ground  to   suspect  the  latter 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  585 

feeling,  I  thought  it  imprudent  to  leave  him  so  near  Mon- 
rovia in  our  absence.  It  was  now  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening, 
and  I  countermanded  the  order  for  the  morning  march,  and 
started  off  myself  with  twenty  armed  men  for  Mam-ma 
Town,  which  we  reached  just  at  the  dawn  of  day.  The  chief 
readily  consented  to  accompany  me  to  the  camp,  and  to  remain 
there  during  my  absence  on  the  expedition.  Accordingly,  we 
again  embarked,  the  chief  Go-no-nomina  in  company,  and  after 
a  pull  of  six  hours  reached  Millsburg.  Thus  we  were  detained 
twenty-four  hours.  Friday  morning  the  29th,  we  took  up  the 
line  of  march  about  sunrise  from  Millsburg:  our  whole  force 
amounted  to  three  hundred  men  and  one  piece  of  artillery. 
From  this  number  are  to  be  deducted  some  sixty  Kroomen, 
employed  as  baggage  carriers,  and  about  forty  native  allies, 
who  proved,  instead  of  being  useful,  the  greatest  burden;  so 
that  the  whole  number  of  effective  fighting  men  was  two  hun- 
dred. After  dragging  the  cannon  about  six  miles  with  incredible 
labour,  through  swamps  and  over  creeks,  w^e  found  it  was  de- 
laying tP.e  march,  and  wearing  out  the  men  to  such  a  degree 
that  the  object  of  the  expedition  would  probably  be  sacrificed 
if  we  persevered  in  carrying  it  with  us.  It  was  accordingly 
drawn  aside,  and  concealed  in  the  thick  bushes,  and  we  pro- 
ceeded Avithout  it.  The  rain  fell  in  torrents  throughout  the 
forenoon,  and  we  were  all  drenched  and  thoroughly  fatigued, 
when  at  2  p.  m.  we  reached  the  ruins  of  an  old  walled  town, 
that  had  been  destroyed  by  Gatoomba  in  one  of  his  old  robbing 
excursions.  There  were  several  little  huts  standing,  and  as  the 
ground  was  high  I  determined  to  encamp  for  the  night,  in  order 
that  the  men  might  refresh  themselves  for  the  fatigues  of  tiie 
coming  day. 

"Our  fires  were  kindled,  guards  posted,  aird  after  getting 
such  a  dinner  as  we  could,  the  whole  camp  was  soon  disposed 
to  rest.  The  next  morning  long  before  daylight  we  stood  to 
our  arms,  and  with  the  first  gray  light  the  line  was  formed  and 
we  resumed  our  march.  The  path  was  so  narrow  that  we  had 
to  follow  each  other  in  single  file — but  to  give  you  an  idea  of 
the  other  difficulties  is  out  of  the  question.  The  rains  of  the 
two  preceding  days  had  swollen  the  streams  and  flooded  the 
swamps,  and  the  chief  alternations  of  the  route,  were  mud  to 
the  knees,  and  water  to  the  waist.  However,  we  struggled  on 
as  we  best  might,  making  only  one  halt  about  ten  o'clock  to 
get  a  morsel  of  breakfast,  and  give  the  men  a  moment's  rest. 


586  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

"  It  was  about  three  hours  after  this,  as  we  were  ascending  a 
long  hill  from  a  deep  muddy  ravine,  that  the  enemy  com- 
menced the  attack  upon  our  front,  from  an  ambuscade  pre- 
pared by  felling  trees  across  the  path  where  it  made  an  abrupt 
angle.  The  first  fire  brought  the  brave  Captain  Snetter  of  the 
rifle  corps,  to  the  ground,  mortally  wounded — but  his  men 
rushed  gallantly  forward  and  dislodged  the  savages  so  quick 
that  the  march  of  the  line  was  scarcely  checked.  As  we  could 
no  longer  hope  to  conceal  our  approach,  the  music  was  ordered 
to  strike  up,  and  we  advanced  more  cheerily  to  the  sound  of  the 
drum  and  fife.  The  remainder  of  the  way,  nearly  six  miles, 
they  continued  to  annoy  us  from  front  to  rear,  the  thick  close 
wood  giving  them  every  advantage  to  shoot  at  us,  while  they 
were  entirely  concealed  from  view.  I  can  conceive  nothing 
more  disheartening  to  the  bravest  men,  than  thus  to  be  exposed 
to  the  fire  of  an  unseen  enemy,  in  a  wild  forest,  where  there 
is  no  chance  of  defence  or  retaliation.  However,  though  several 
were  wounded,  not  a  murmur  was  heard,  and  the  men  con- 
tinued silently  and  rapidly  to  push  on  to  the  point  where  the 
great  struggle  was  to  take  place.  At  length  the  line  was  halted, 
and  the  word  came  from  the  front  that  we  were  near  the  town. 
The  order  of  battle  was  then  commenced,  and  we  again  moved 
on.  In  a  few  minutes  a  tremendous  roar  of  musketry  from  the 
front  announced  our  vicinity  to  the  barricade.  I  ran  up  from 
the  centre  with  ray  aids.  Colonel  William  Lewis  and  General 
Roberts,  to  the  margin  of  the  open  field,  where  we  found  two 
companies  of  the  first  division,  under  Colonel  Johnson,  warmly 
engaged  with  a  party  in  ambush  on  their  right,  and  also  in 
front  with  the  people  of  the  town,  who  had  opened  a  heavy 
fire  from  the  port  holes  of  the  walls  with  muskets  and  swivels. 
By  this  time  a  third  company  had  got  clear  of  the  woods  and 
joined  the  combat.  As  soon  as  I  saw  the  position  of  afiairs, 
I  ordered  General  Roberts  to  lead  off  two  companies,  as  they 
came  up  to  the  left;  and  if  possible,  surround  the  town.  He 
immediately  put  himself  at  the  head  of  Captain  Yates'  company 
of  infantry,  the  only  one  that  at  the  moment  seemed  available, 
and  made  a  rush  through  the  field,  and  around  an  angle  of  the 
wall  towards  the  opposite  side  of  the  town.  Yates  and  his 
men  most  gallantly  seconded  the  General  in  this  daring  move- 
ment, under  a  heavy  fire.  The  enemy  seeing  this  rapid  dash 
at  his  rear  gate,  became  panic  struck,  and  abandoning  the  con- 
test, fled  from  the  town,  with  the  greatest  precipitation,  to  the 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  587 

woods;  and  we  entered  victorious  at  almost  the  same  moment. 
I  was  with  this  Httle  band,  and  had  the  honour  of  entering  the 
barricade  among  the  first.  So  sudden  and  unexpected  was  the 
capture  of  the  town,  that  the  men  on  the  opposite  side  con- 
tinued the  fire,  and  for  some  minutes  we  were  in  great  danger 
from  their  bullets.  Captain  Charles  Johnson,  of  the  artillery, 
and  Lieutenant  Richardson,  of  the  rifle  corps,  were  seriously- 
injured  in  the  engagement;  also  a  young  man  from  Caldwell, 
mortally.  It  is  impossible  to  express  my  admiration  of  the 
courage  and  good  conduct  of  all  engaged  in  this  most  important 
expedition.  I  might  specify  many  who  fought  under  my  own 
eye  as  having  distinguished  themselves,  but  this  would  be 
unjust  to  the  large  number  who,  in  other  parts  of  the  field, 
acquitted  themselves  equally  well.  One  word  1  must  say  of  the 
wounded,  however;  they  fell  in  the  front  rank  with  their  faces 
to  the  fire,  fighting  bravely." 

By  this  bold  and  energetic  measure.  Governor  Buchanan  en- 
tirely prostrated  the  strength  of  Gatoomba.  These  hostilities, 
which  terminated  in  favour  of  the  colony,  caused  the  whole  of 
the  chiefs  of  the  Dey  tribes  to  come  into  the  colony,  and  beg 
for  renewed  assurance  of  protection.  This  was  willingly  given 
to  them,  and,  as  a  guaranty,  the  whole  of  their  country  was 
purchased  lying  on  the  north  side  of  the  St.  Paul's  river,  from 
its  mouth  to  within  three  or  four  miles  of  Millsburg,  a  distance 
of  twelve  or  fourteen  miles,  and  extending  back  from  thirty  to 
fifty  miles. 

Some  have  expressed  the  opinion  that  Governor  Buchanan 
was  not  justified  in  this  expedition  against  Gatoomba;  that  the 
circumstances  did  not  warrant  such  decided  measures.  Mr. 
Pinney,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  has  answered  these  objections, 
and  proved  that  the  honour  and  even  the  existence  of  the 
colony  depended  upon  these  energetic  measures.  He  says,  "I 
answer  unhesitatingly,  that  if  war  is  ever  justifiable  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  unoffending  and  defenceless,  this  was  peculiarly 
so.  It  was  in  the  strictest  sense  a  war  of  self-defence.  Having 
just  returned  from  Liberia  myself,  and  having  an  intimate  ac- 
quaintance with  the  facts  of  the  case,  and  the  causes  which 
originated  the  war,  I  have  a  better  ground  for  my  opinion  than 
any  can  possess,  who  have  only  seen  the  statements  and  letters 
lately  made  public.  The  facts  are  briefly  these:  Two  powerful 
tribes  north  of  Monrovia,  and  in  the  interior,  the  Codoe  and 


588  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

Gonlat,  have  been  engaged  fiv^e  years  in  continual  war  with 
each  Other — partly  originating  in  a  desire  of  conquest,  and 
partly  from  avarice,  which  could  only  be  satiated  by  making 
slaves.  Their  distance  from  the  colony,  for  a  long  time,  pre- 
vented any  other  interference  of  the  colonial  authorities  than 
the  occasional  effort  to  become  peace-makers.  But  in  the  course 
of  the  war,  they  gradually  approached  the  territories  of  the 
colony,  by  robbing,  and  plundering,  and  carrying  into  slavery 
the  defenceless  inhabitants  of  the  Dey  country.  Thousands  of 
these  have  either  been  murdered,  or  carried  away  captive,  and 
the  small  remnant  have  either  fled  into  the  colony  of  Liberia, 
or  on  to  the  banks  of  the  St.  Paul's  next  it,  for  safety  and  pro- 
tection. Their  cruel  persecutors  and  conquerors  took  possession 
of  this  country,  and  thus  became  the  neighbours  of  the  colony. 
This  occurred  about  one  year  ago,  and  the  editor  of  the  Liberia 
Herald,  a  coloured  man,  in  a  most  able  article  written  at  that 
time,  predicted  the  probability  of  a  severe  contest  between  them 
and  the  colony,  which  stood  as  the  only  bulwark  between  them 
and  the  weak  remnant  of  the  Deys,  Queahs,  and  Bassas,  upon 
whom  they  were  ready  to  fall  in  a  continuance  of  their  con- 
quest and  warfare.  In  a  few  months,  the  impatience  of  one  of 
their  chiefs,  Gatoomba,  led  him  to  venture  an  attack,  not  upon 
the  colonists,  but  upon  a  small  village  of  the  poor  Deys,  who 
had  settled  in  the  outskirts  of  Millsburg.  This  attack  was  made 
without  provocation  and  by  surprise;  it  was  made  about  day- 
light; it  was  made  in  the  territories  of  the  colony,  and  resulted 
in  taking  twelve  captives,  who  were  soon  after  sold  into  slavery, 
besides  mortally  wounding  and  maiming  several  others.  The 
colonists  in  Millsburg  hastened  to  the  scene  of  murder  and  rob- 
bery as  soon  as  possible,  else  the  whole  village  might  have  been 
taken  away.  Governor  Buchanan  upon  learning  these  facts, 
immediately  sent  a  messenger  to  Gatoomba  to  demand  the  re- 
lease of  the  captives,  and  reparation  for  the  wrong  done  to  the 
colony.  The  reply  was  one  of  insult  and  scorn.  The  governor 
was  told  that  Gatoomba  had  a  war  to  fight,  and  he  wanted  no 
colonial  interference;  and  intimated  an  attack  upon  the  natives 
of  King  Tom's  Town,  or  Heddington,  where  the  Methodist 
mission  was  then  in  successful  operation  under  Mr.  Brown, 
some  of  whom  he  claimed  as  runaway  slaves. 

"Upon  receiving  this  reply.  Governor  Buchanan  immediately 
sent   arms   and  ammunition   to  Heddington  and   Millsburg — 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  5S9 

called  out  the  militia  of  Monrovia  and  Caldwell,  and  proceeded 
to  Millsburg  to  build  a  fort.  While  there  a  council  of  war  was 
called,  and  it  was  determined  not  to  make  an  attack  upon  Ga- 
toomba  until  another  message  of  a  peaceful  character  had  been 
sent.  Accordingly,  two  interesting  young  men  were  sent  to 
this  monster  of  cruelty,  and  both  were  murdered  in  cold  blood. 
Governor  Buchanan  then,  in  hopes  that  the  king,  to  whom 
Gatoomba  owed  allegiance,  would  interfere  and  punish,  still 
put  off  the  day  of  vengeance,  until  a  messenger  could  go  to 
Boporo,  the  capital  of  the  Condo  country,  and  ascertain  his 
sentiments. 

."Who,  in  view  of  these  facts,  will  censure  the  colonists  as 
having  provoked  a  war?  Who  can  fail  to  see  that  they  have 
been  a  shield  for  the  remnant  of  a  murdered  and  innocent 
tribe  ?  Who  will  say  they  ought  to  have  refused  the  poor  Dey 
people  a  shelter  and  a  home,  or,  that  having  received  them, 
they  ought  to  have  stood  by  passive,  while  these  defenceless 
people  were  murdered  and  carried  into  captivity?" 

Governor  Buchanan,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  Gatoomba 
into  his  power,  interdicted  all  trade  between  the  colony  and 
the  country  lying  north  of  the  St.  Pauls,  and  a  rigid  embargo 
was  kept  up  for  nearly  nine  months.  But  this  measure  did  not 
have  the  effect  intended;  for  a  universal  law  prevails  among 
the  natives,  against  betraying  a  headman  into  the  power  of  an 
enemy;  yet  to  save  appearances,  Gatoomba  was  driven  from 
his  town,  and  forced  to  skulk  in  the  woods,  without  a  house  to 
shelter  himself  from  the  rains,  or  the  means  of  subsistence, 
except  what  the  palm  trees  and  wild  yams  afforded  him.  To 
this  wretched  and  vagabond  condition  was  the  powerful  chief 
of  Sooce  reduced,  in  consequence  of  his  attack  upon  the  colony. 
When  Governor  Buchanan  became  convinced  that  he  could 
not  accomplish  his  object  in  this  way,  he  took  measures  to 
have  the  embargo  removed  in  such  a  way  as  to  prevent  sus- 
picion that  he  had  been  defeated  in  his  purpose.  Accordingly, 
he  compromised  the  affair,  by  demanding  five  bullocks  as  a 
reparation  for  the  injury  done  to  the  colony,  which  the  natives 
joyfully  paid,  and  trade  was  again  opened.  Governor  Bucha- 
nan found  great  difficulty  in  maintaining  his  position  with  re- 
gard to  the  embargo  for  such  a  length  of  time,  as  it  was  directly 
against  the  interests  of  the  merchants,  and  mo&t  of  the  people 
of  the  country;  but  the  result  was  favourable  to  the  colony: 
50 


590  HISTORY   OF    AFRICAN   COLONIZATION. 

and  the  fact  of  having  compelled  a  nation  so  powerful  and 
distant,  to  pay  an  indemnity  for  the  aggressions  of  their  allies, 
and  to  receive  as  a  boon,  the  permission  to  trade  with  the 
colony,  greatly  increased  their  influence  in  the  country. 

A  difficulty  yet  more  painful  than  war  in  such  circumstances 
with  savages,  arose  in  the  bosom  of  the  colony.  For  obvious 
reasons  the  goods  necessary  for  the  several  missionary  estab- 
lishments had  been  made  by  law  duty  free.  The  missionary 
labours  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  had  been  early 
and  very  zealously  directed  to  Liberia.  Goods  adapted  to 
purposes  of  trade,  were  the  best  means  of  remitting  from  their 
treasury  in  this  country,  to  their  missionaries  there.  A  differ- 
ence of  opinion  soon  sprang  up  between  the  head  of  the  mis- 
sion and  the  Governor.  It  was  contended  on  the  one  hand, 
that  all  the  goods  necessary  in  any  way  to  carrying  on  the 
mission,  should  be  admitted  free  of  duty;  and  on  the  other, 
that  only  those  supplies  for  the  personal  use  of  the  missionaries, 
were  included  in  the  privilege.  Because  the  expenditures  of 
the  mission  amounted  in  the  aggregate  to  a  large  sum,  and 
were  met  by  the  sale  or  barter  of  such  commodities,  the  greater 
part  of  the  trade  would  by  this  means  come  into  the  hands  of 
the  missionaries,  and  they  would  thus  be  able  to  undersell  the 
colonial  merchants,  of  whom  duties  were  required.  The  Gov- 
ernor adhered  firmly  to  his  interpretation  of  the  law,  and  there 
is  much  reason  to  regret  that  his  decision  was  not  submitted  to; 
as  in  the  controversies  which  followed,  many  painful  things  were 
done  and  said.  The  colonists  took  part  in  it,  and  a  serious 
rupture  was  for  a  time  feared.  It  would  not  be  wise  to  enter 
into  statements,  which,  however  true,  might  provoke  reply, 
after  peace  has  been  restored,  but  justice  to  Governor  Bucha- 
nan requires  us  to  say,  that  the  American  Colonization  Society 
sustained  him  in  his  course  throughout,  and  by  emphatic  re- 
corded resolutions,  approved,  without  qualification,  of  all  his 
measures.  His  motives  and  character,  though  assailed  in  the 
heat  of  party,  came  bright  and  pure  through  the  ordeal.  His 
friends  who  loved  him  before,  found  only  reason  to  love  him 
the  more,  and  cherish  his  memory  with  the  greater  reverence 
and  esteem,  for  having  shared  with  his  divine  Master  in  the 
baptism  of  undeserved  reproach. 

The  American  Colonization  Society  sent  out  two  expeditions 
to  Africa  this  year.     The  ship  Saluda  left  Norfolk  on  the  14th 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  591 

of  Februarj'',  with  one  hundred  and  eighteen  emigrants,  and  a 
full  cargo  of  trade  goods  and  provisions.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Minor 
and  lady  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  went  out  to  join  the  Episco- 
pal mission  at  Cape  Palmas.  Dr.  Goheen  of  the  Methodist  mis- 
sion, was  also  a  passenger.  This  vessel  arrived  at  Monrovia 
on  the  17th  of  March;  most  of  the  emigrants  were  taken  to 
Bexley,  where  comfortable  log  cabins  had  been  built  for  them; 
the  rest  remained  at  Bassa  Cove. 

The  Saluda  sailed  again  on  her  second  trip  this  year,  but 
after  being  out  but  a  short  time  she  sprung  a  leak,  and  was 
compelled  to  put  into  Delaware  Bay  and  proceed  up  to  Phila- 
delphia. During  her  stay  in  Philadelphia,  undergoing  repairs, 
the  emigrants  were  visited  by  whites  and  blacks  representing 
the  horrors  of  Liberia:  but  the  impressions  made  upon  them 
were  unknown,  even  to  the  captain,  until  a  few  days  before 
he  was  to  sail,  when  one  man  and  his  wife  left  the  ship.  All 
the  others  appeared  to  be  contented,  until  the  ship  was  about  to 
haul  off  to  recommence  her  voyage,  when  several  others  went 
ashore.  After  being  out  about  two  hundred  leagues,  she  sprung 
another  leak  and  was  compelled  to  put  into  New  York.  A 
new  barque,  the  Hobart,  was  immediately  chartered,  and  sailed 
about  the  middle  of  September,  and  arrived  at  Monrovia  after 
a  long  voyage  of  fifty-seven  days. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  year  1839,  Governor  Buchanan  was 
thrown  into  some  perplexity,  with  respect  to  the  case  of  some 
slave  ships  which  had  been  brought  and  delivered  up  to  him 
by  officers  of  the  British  navy.  He  was  in  doubt  what  he 
should  do  with  them,  and  even  whether  he  was  authorized  to 
receive  them.  In  one  of  his  despatches  he  says,  "  I  hope  some 
definite  instructions  may  be  given  me,  both  by  the  society  and 
the  government,  in  relation  to  these  most  embarrassing  cases. 
I  cannot  bear  to  see  these  pirates  escape  when  brought  into  my 
power,  but  it  perplexes  me  beyond  measure  to  know  how  to 
act." 

In  the  beginning  of  this  year,  (1840)  the  United  States  brig 
Dolphin,  Captain  Bell,  arrived  on  the  coast,  which  gave  great 
joy  to  the  colony.  The  Liberia  Herald  says  on  this  occasion, 
"We  hail  her  arrival  as  an  epoch  in  our  history,  and  look 
forward  with  confidence  to  a  steadily  progressive  improvement 
in  our  colony.  The  Grampus  is  hourly  expected  to  join  her, 
and  probably  another  vessel  will  be  added  to  the  list.     We  are 


592  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

pleased  with  the  gentlemanly  deportment  of  Captain  Bell  and 
his  officers,  who  seem  in  turn  to  be  pleased  and  gratified  at  the 
improvement  made  in  the  colony.  We  wish  them  success  in 
their  enterprise,  and  do  most  sincerely  hope  they  may  be  spared 
to  return  to  their  happy  country,  and  the  bosom  of  their  fami- 
lies. We  may  consider  the  gun  that  announced  this  arrival, 
the  knell  of  slavery  on  this  part  of  the  coast." 

The  Grampus,  Captain  Payne,  arrived  in  the  beginning  of 
April.  These  vessels  cruised  off  the  coast,  for  the  purpose  of 
preventing  the  prosecution  of  the  slave  trade  under  American 
colours,  which  had  been  greatly  complained  of  by  the  British 
squadron,  and  at  the  commencement  of  the  rainy  season  they 
returned  to  the  United  States  for  supplies.  From  the  report  of 
the  commanding  officers,  it  appears  that  the  slave  trade  is 
carried  on  principally  under  Portuguese  colours,  procuring 
their  cargoes  from  slave  stations  on  the  coast,  which  are  under 
the  protection  of  native  chiefs,  who  furnish  slaves,  and  receive 
in  return  goods  manufactured  in  England  expressly  for  the 
purpose.  And  the  officers  express  the  opinion,  that  so  long 
as  these  stations  are  permitted  to  exist,  and  this  barter  is  carried 
on,  all  attempts  to  arrest  this  traffic  will  but  aggravate  the 
disease. 

A  war  broke  out  this  year  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Bassa 
Cove,  between  Bob  Grey  and  Joe  Harris  on  one  side,  and  the 
natives  at  New  Cesters  and  the  Fishmen  of  the  Cove  on  the 
other.  It  appears  that  the  two  chiefs,  Grey  and  Harris,  were 
accused  by  the  people  of  New  Cesters  of  being  inimical  to  the 
people  of  the  country,  because  they  sold  land  to  the  Americans, 
and  countenanced  the  establishment  of  the  settlement,  thereby 
throwing  obstacles  in  the  way  of  the  slave  trade  generally, 
and  actually  causing'it  to  be  broken  up  at  Bassa  Cove.  This 
war  was  originated  by  a  man  named  Theodore  Canot,a  Floren- 
tine by  birth,  but  a  naturalized  citizen  of  the  United  States. 
He  was  the  owner  of  the  slave  factories  at  New  Cesters,  and 
was  afraid  that  they  would  be  broken  up  by  the  people  of  the 
colony.  Governor  Buchanan  upon  hearing  of  the  attack  upon 
Grey  and  Harris  sent  a  messenger  to  Prince,  of  New  Cesters, 
demanding  the  reason  of  the  attack.  In  his  despatches  to  the 
Society  he  says,  "  No  truth  is  more  certain  than  that  sooner  or 
later  we  must  fight  the  slavers  or  surrender  the  high  principles 
on  which  we  have  planted  ourselves.     As  long  as  they  remain 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  593 

in  the  neighbourhood,  they  will  annoy  and  injure  us  through 
the  medium  of  the  savages,  whom  they  possess  such  abun- 
dant means  to  influence.  For  my  own  part,  I  care  not  how 
soon  the  colUsion  may  come;  it  would  be  much  less  hazardous, 
and  infinitely  more  agreeable  to  fight  them,  than  to  be  exposed 
to  these  repeated  conflicts  in  the  outskirts  of  the  colony  with 
the  natives." 

About  the  middle  of  November,  Captain  Denman,  of  the 
British  navy,  landed  in  his  boats  at  New  Cesters,  with  about 
two  hundred  men,  and  took  possession  of  the  place.  The 
Spaniards  made  no  resistance,  but  fled  into  the  woods;  they 
took  with  them  most  of  their  slaves,  amounting  to  two  or  three 
thousand,  but  left  all  of  their  other  property,  which  was  taken 
possession  of  and  destroyed  by  the  captors.  In  the  month  of 
December,  Governor  Buchanan  received  a  letter  from  Lieu- 
tenant Seagram,  commanding  Her  Britannic  Majesty's  brig 
Termagant,  informing  him  that  he  had  completed  an  arrange- 
ment with  Canot,  by  which  it  was  agreed  that  he  should  de- 
liver up  all  his  slaves  to  Seagram  to  be  carried  to  Sierra  Leone, 
and  thenceforth  to  abandon  the  slave  trade  entirely.  Another 
part  of  the  agreement  was  that  Canot  should  remain  at  New 
Cesters,  and  carry  on  business  as  a  regular  trader  under  the 
sanction  and  protection  of  the  English  government.  In  regard 
to  this  agreement  Governor  Buchanan  says,  "  If  Seagram  made 
this  agreement  by  authority,  it  would  seem  that  his  govern- 
ment intends  occupying  that  place.  This  would  be  a  dismem- 
bering of  our  territory,  by  cutting  ofl"  our  Northern  settlements 
from  Sinou  and  Cape  Palmas.  Can  it  be  possible  that  a  great 
nation  would  descend  to  such  a  wicked  and  contemptible  thing? 
I  cannot  think  it." 

A  fair  view  of  what  the  slave  trade  was  at  this  time,  is  given 
by  Captain  Bell,  of  the  United  States  navy.  In  a  letter  to  a 
friend,  he  says:  *'  From  the  best  information  that  could  be  ob- 
tained, there  are  now,  and  have  been  for  several  years  past, 
shipped  from  Africa,  upwards  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  thou- 
sand slaves  per  annum.  This  appears  incredible  to  those  who 
have  not  examined  into  the  subject,  but  when  it  is  considered 
that  sixty-two  vessels  carrying,  or  prepared  to  carry,  upon  an 
average  three  hundred  each,  were  sent  into  Sierra  Leone  last 
year,  in  addition  to  those  sent  to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and 
captured  in  the  West  Indies  and  on  the  Coast  of  Brazil,  and 
50* 


594  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

that  not  more  than  one  in  six  is  captured,  as  I  was  credibly  in- 
formed, it  will  be  found  to  fall  within  the  above  estimate. 

"  In  consequence  of  the  chance  of  capture,  the  poor  negroes 
suffer  ten-fold  more  misery  than  in  the  early  stages  of  the 
traffic;  they  crowd  them  in  small,  fast  sailing  vessels,  at  the 
rate  of  two,  and  sometimes  even  four  to  the  ton,  with  a  slave 
deck  but  two  feel  two  inches  high;  as  was  the  case  with  a 
slaver  lately  sent  into  Sierra  Leone.  So  dreadful  is  their  situa- 
tion that  one  in  ten  dies  in  crossing  the  ocean;  consequently, 
twenty-five  thousand  human  beings  are  thus  destroyed  in  a 
year. 

"Previous  to  the  settlement  of  Liberia,  the  mouths  of  the 
rivers  St.  Paul,  Mesurado,  and  St.  John  were  the  greatest 
marts  for  slaves  on  the  windward  coast.  Thousands  came 
annually  down  those  streams  for  transportation;  now  those 
rivers  are  used  by  the  husbandmen  to  bring  their  produce  to 
Monrovia,  Grand  Bassa,  and  Edina,  and  the  negro  paddles  his 
canoe  in  safety  under  the  protection  of  the  benevolent  institu- 
tions founded  by  the  Colonization  Society.  When  these  facts 
are  so  well  known,  is  it  not  strange  that  the  British  Govern- 
ment, who  appear  so  anxious  to  stop  this  traffic,  do  not  use 
other  means  for  this  purpose?  It  will  occur  to  every  one, 
that  the  only  effectual  way  (on  this  part  of  the  coast  at  least) 
to  destroy  this  vile  trade,  is  to  break  up  the  slave  stations. 
As  far  as  I  could  learn,  there  are  but  two,  between  Cape  St. 
Ann,  and  Cape  Coast  Castle — one  at  Gallinas,  and  the  other 
at  New  Cesters.  One  hundred  resolute  men  landed  at  either 
of  those  places,  would  break  up  the  whole  concern  in  a  few 
hours;  under  present  circumstances,  such  are  the  immense  pro- 
fits, it  never  will  stop.  Pedro  Blanco,  who  is  one  of  the  principal 
slave  dealers  at  Gallinas,  as  well  as  others  in  the  trade,  say, 
that  if  they  can  save  one  vessel  in  three,  the  business  is  still 
profitable.  This  can  easily  be  believed;  for  I  was  informed, 
when  at  the  Gallinas  a  few  days  ago,  that  slaves  could  be  pur- 
chased for  less  than  twenty  dollars  a  piece  in  trade,  and  the 
price  for  them  in  Cuba  is  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  dol- 
lars cash.  A  short  time  before  I  came  on  the  coast,  the  ship 
Venus  of  Havana,  took  on  board  at  Gallinas  nine  hundred,  and 
about  eight  hundred  were  landed  in  Cuba,  and  after  paying  for 
the  vessel  and  all  expenses,  she  cleared  two  hundred  thousand 
dollars. 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  595 

"The  slave  stations  are  generally  owned  by  Spaniards  or 
Portuguese,  who  pretend  to  place  themselves  under  the  pro- 
tection of  the  negro  king  in  their  vicinity.  They  furnish  him 
with  muskets,  ammunition,  &c.,  which  makes  him  more  power- 
ful than  the  chiefs  around  him,  on  whom  he  makes  war.  He 
attacks  their  towns,  puts  to  death  all  the  old  persons  and  small 
children,  and  the  rest  are  brought  to  the  coast  and  sold  to 
his  employers.  Here  they  are  placed  in  slave  baracoons  (or 
prisons,)  ready  to  ship  when  a  vessel  arrives.  At  Gallinas 
there  are  now  five  thousand  waiting  for  opportunities  to  send 
off.  A  slaver  anchors  in  tiie  evening,  takes  on  board  three  or 
four  hundred  that  night,  and  is  off  with  the  land  breeze  in  the 
morning.  If  she  can  run  twenty  miles  without  molestation, 
she  is  beyond  the  usual  cruising  ground  of  men-of-war,  and 
safe  until  she  arrives  in  the  vicinity  of  the  West  Indies,  where 
her  chance  of  capture  is  very  small." 

The  health  of  the  colony  during  this  year,  was  remarkably 
good,  except  in  the  case  of  the  emigrants  who  went  out  in  the 
Saluda.  Of  these  forty-two  died ;  no  adequate  cause  can  be 
given  for  this  great  mortality.  They  were  all  provided  with 
comfortable  quarters  immediately  on  landing,  and  every  pos- 
sible attention  paid  to  them  during  their  illness.  The  subject 
of  education  was  attracting  more  attention  than  in  former 
years.  Governor  Buchanan  encouraged  the  colonists  to  esta- 
blish primary  schools  in  the  several  districts  and  settlements  in 
the  colony,  by  paying  a  portion  of  the  salaries  of  the  teachers. 
Instruction  in  the  higher  branches  of  education  was  given  in  a 
free  school  supported  by  the  Methodist  mission  at  JNIonrovia. 
It  is  an  interesting  fact,  that  the  Methodists  established  this  year 
on  the  St.  Paul's,  a  manual  labour  school.  The  colony  also 
made  advances  in  agriculture,  and  in  the  raising  of  stock. 
Nineteen  -thousand  coffee  trees  were  planted  out,  and  more 
attention  was  given  to  farming  their  lands.  Instead  of  the 
common  timber  of  the  country  being  used,  hedges  of  lemon  and 
lime  trees  were  planted,  which  formed  a  substantial  and  dura- 
ble fence. 


596  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 


CHAPTER    XXXIV. 


THE  COLONY  IN  1841. 

On  the  24th  of  February,  1841,  the  United  States  sloop  of  War 
Cyane,  arrived  at  Monrovia,  and  Commander  Latimer  kindly 
took  Governor  Buchanan  on  board,  and  together  they  visited 
Bassa  Cove,  Sinou,  and  Cape  Pahiaas.  The  following  letter 
from  Commander  Latimer  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  is 
worthy  of  attention:  "The  arrival  of  this  ship  on  the  24th  of 
February,  at  Cape  Mesurado,  town  of  Monrovia,  was  hailed 
by  the  colonists  with  great  pleasure.  I  paid  a  visit  with  Go- 
vernor Buchanan,  under  whose  judicious  and  able  guidance 
the  colony  is  directed,  to  the  towns  of  Caldwell,  on  the  St. 
Paul's,  and  New  Georgia,  on  the  Stockton  river.  The  latter  is 
settled  by  liberated  African  slaves,  recaptured  by  our  cruisers, 
and  returned  to  their  country  by  the  government.  I  found  both 
places  in  a  very  prosperous  and  flourishing  state;  each  family 
occupying  a  comfortable  house,  and  the  grounds  around  under 
good  cultivation,  with  an  abundance  of  the  comforts  of  life; 
and  all  cheerful,  and  perfectly  contented  with  their  situation, 
and  not  an  emigrant  expressed  a  desire  to  leave  his  adopted 
coimtry  and  return  to  the  United  States.  Besides  the  grounds 
around  their  houses,  which  supply  them  with  a  superabundance 
for  their  immediate  wants,  farms  in  the  rear  of  the  settlements 
are  cultivated  to  some  extent,  and  sugar-cane  has  been  success- 
fully introduced,  and  the  cultivation  of  it  is  increasing. 

"I  will  here  remark,  that  all  the  recaptured  Africans  have 
embraced  the  Christian  faith,  and  some  have  married  with  the 
emigrant  women,  and  feel  themselves  very  superior  to  the 
natives  around  them.  They  have  the  same  privileges  as  the 
emigrants,  are  enrolled  in  the  militia,  have  a  vote  at  the  elec- 
tions, and  each  man  has  his  musket;  they  have  a  school,  and  a 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  597 

competent  person  to  teach  their  children,  and  some  of  the  adohs 
have  learned  to  read,  and  have  adopted  in  all  respects  the  cus- 
toms of  the  emigrants. 

"On  ascending  the  Stockton,  we  stopped  at  Bashrod  Island, 
on  which  the  public  farm  is  situated,  and  wliere  the  sugar-cane, 
cassada,  sweet  potato,  plantains,  bananas,  and  Indian  corn  are 
all  growing  with  the  greatest  luxuriance.  I  found  a  mill,  &c. 
erected  for  grinding  cane,  which  had  been  in  operation  one  sea- 
son, and  was  found  to  answer  the  purpose  very  well.  We 
returned  in  the  evening  to  JNIonrovia,  much  delighted  with  our 
visit,  and  my  most  sanguine  expectations  very  far  exceeded. 

"The  town  of  Monrovia  is  finely  situated  on  the  peninsula 
which  joins  the  cape  to  the  main  land.  Its  position  is  high, 
sloping  gradually  on  the  north  side  to  the  JNIesurado  river, 
along  the  banks  of  which  the  storehouses  are  built.  It  com- 
mands a  fine  prospect  of  the  sea  to  the  south,  and  Mesurado 
bay  on  the  north,  and  has  a  population  of  about  eight  hundred 
persons.  I  was  gratified  to  find  the  most  strict  observance  of 
religious  worship,  and  that  great  attention  is  paid  to  the  educa- 
tion of  their  children.  The  inhabitants  are  intelligent,  and 
generally  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits;  but  the  business  of 
the  place  is  on  the  decline,  principally  owing  to  the  want  of 
articles  for  exportation — camwood,  palm  oil,  and  ivory  being 
the  only  commodities  they  ofier  in  the  way  of  trade,  which  are 
obtained  from  the  natives,  and  not  in  great  abundance.  Many 
have  accumulated  a  handsome  property,  and  have  retired  from 
the  mercantile  business,  and  are  turning  their  attention  to  agri- 
culture. Coffee  of  the  finest  kind  grows  wild  in  the  forest,  and 
they  are  now  rearing  plants  from  the  seed  for  their  planta- 
tions, and  in  time  sugar  and  coffee  will  become  staples  of  the 
colony." 

A  union  of  the  American  Colonization  Society  and  the  Mis- 
sissippi State  Colonization  Society  was  effected  this  year.  The 
following  are  the  articles  of  agreement,  entered  into  between 
the  Rev.  Mr.  McLain,  the  authorized  agent  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society,  of  the  one  part,  and  the  executive  com- 
mittee of  the  Mississippi  State  Colonization  Society,  of  the  other 
part. 

It  has  been  mutually  agreed  and  determined  as  follows,  viz: 
1.  That  any  and  all  land  purchased,  or  hereafter  to  be  pur- 


598  HISTOUY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

chased,  by  the  American  Colonization  Society  north  of  the  river 
Sino.u,  and  south  of  the  river  Cesters,  shall  be  transferred  to  the 
Mississippi  State  Colonization  Society,,  at  its  original  cost,  so  as 
to  extend  their  territory  ultimately  to  those  limits,  when  it  may 
be  deemed  necessary  by  them. 

2.  That  all  freed  slaves,  or  free  coloured  people  from  the 
state  of  Mississippi,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  settlement  within  the 
territory  of  Mississippi  in  Liberia,  they,  or  the  persons  sending 
them  out,  desiring  it. 

3.  That  all  funds  arising  from  collections,  legacies,  donations, 
or  other  contributions  within  the  state  of  Mississippi,  shall  be 
applied  to  defraying  the  expenses  of  sending  out  emigrants  from 
said  State  to  said  territory,  and  other  expenses  incident  thereto: 
Provided,  That  all  salaries  of  agents  and  expenses  in  said  State, 
shall  be  first  deducted  from  the  amount  collected. 

.  4.  That  the  citizens  of  Mississippi  in  Liberia,  shall  enjoy  all 
the  privileges  and  immunities  secured  by  the  constitution  of  the 
commonwealth  of  Liberia,  and  shall  be  governed  by  the  same 
laws. 

5.  That  without  surrendering  or  infringing  the  right  of  ap- 
pointing their  own  chief  Magistrate  for  their  own  colony,  re- 
served by  the  Mississippi  State  Colonization  Society,  in  their 
acceptance  of  the  constitution  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society,  and  acceded  to  by  the  said  American  Colonization 
Society,  for  the  purpose  of  greater  economy,  and  efficiency 
under  present  circumstances,  the  Mississippi  State  Colonization 
Society  depute  to  the  Governor  of  Liberia,  for  the  time  being, 
and  until  otherwise  ordered,  all  executive  power  in  relation  to 
their  colony,  with  full  authority  to  appoint  a  deputy  or  resi- 
dent agent,  who  shall  receive  instructions  from,  and  be  held 
responsible  to,  said  Governor. 

6.  That  said  Governor  shall  forward  to  the  Mississippi  State 
Colonization  Society,  a  quarterly  account  of  all  disbursements 
made  by  him  or  deputy  agent,  for  the  benefit  of  the  said  colony 
of  Mississippi  in  Liberia. 

7.  While  exercising  these  functions,  the  Governor  of  Liberia 
is  to  receive  no  separate  or  additional  salary.  But  he  shall  be, 
and  hereby  is  authorized  to  stipulate  for  a  suitable  compensa- 
tion in  the  way  of  salary,  for  his  deputy  or  resident  agent. 

8.  That  the  Mississippi  Colonization  Society  will  pay  a  pro 
rata  part  of  the  salary  to  the  Governor  of  Liberia,  in  propor- 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  599 

tion  to  their  representation  in  the  Colonial  Council,  or  their 
aggregate  population. 

9.  That  a  travelling  agent,  for  the  state  of  Mississippi,  (and 
Louisiana,  if  they  wish  it,)  shall  be  appointed  by  the  American-, 
Colonization  Society,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi State  Colonization  Society,  who  shall  hold  the  funds 
raised  by  him,  subject  to  the  order  of  the  American  Coloniza- 
tion Society,  and  shall  make  an  annual  report  to  the  Mississippi 
State  Colonization  Society,  of  the  amount  collected,  and  of  the 
general  prosperity  of  the  cause  throughout  the  State. 

On  the  5th  of  July,  the  squadron  composing  the  Niger  expe- 
dition entered  the  harbour  of  Monrovia.  Governor  Buchanan 
in  a  despatch,  says,  "  This  long  looked  for  expedition,  as'  it 
entered  our  harbour,  presented  a  beautiful  and  novel  appear- 
ance. The  three  steamers  and  store-ship,  were  nearly  in  a  line 
as  they  approached,  and  with  the  steam  up  and  all  sails  set, 
they  made  a  gallant  show.  Captain  Trotter,  Commander 
Allen,  and  a  number  of  the  officers  and  gentlemen  of  the  scien- 
tific corps,  came  on  shore,  and  dined  at  my  house,  and  spent 
the  afternoon.  The  next  morning  I  went  on  board  the  'Albert,' 
with  General  Roberts,  the  Secretary,  Dr.  Day,  and  Mr.  Perkins, 
and  breakfasted  with  Captain  Trotter  and  his  associate  com- 
missioners. In  the  evening  of  that  day,  they  weighed  anchorj 
and  sailed  for  Cape  Coast  Castle." 

Governor  Buchanan  regretted  that  they  could  not  remain 
longer  and  acquire  some  knowledge  of  the  practical  results  of 
the  scheme  of  colonization.  Captain  Trotter  and  all  his  officers, 
expressed  themselves  highly  pleased  with  the  aspect  of  things 
in  the  colony.  "  The  idea  of  our  maintaining  a  government," 
says  Governor  Buchanan,  "independent  of  the  United  States, 
and  without  its  patronage,  was  what  they  could  scarcely  credit; 
they  were  greatly  surprised  at  the  evidence  of  the  efficiency 
and  success  of  our  institutions.  One  of  the  gentlemen  asked 
what  we  would  do  without  the  protection  of  the  United  States, 
in  case  we  were  attacked  by  the  natives?  I  replied,  that  we  had 
sufiered  many  attacks  already,  and  had  succeeded  in  protecting 
ourselves,  and  hoped  still  to  do  so,  without  further  aid  than  the 
favour  of  God.  They  had  heard  of  our  conflicts  with  the  na- 
tives and  slavers,  but  in  some  way  had  attributed  the  success 
of  the  colonists  to  the  United  States.     It  is  surprising  how  little 


GOO  .      HISTOUY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

is  known  in  England  about  the  colony,  even  among  that  class 
who  take  a  deep  interest  in  all  that  concerns  Africa.  With 
all  its  simplicity,  it  is  to  them  a  subject  very  difficult  of  compre- 
hension. The  European  ideas  of  colonies  and  colonial  govern- 
ments are  so  totally  inapplicable  to  Liberia,  that  a  person 
trained  in  those  ideas,  finds  himself  completely  at  fault  here, 
and  is  forced  to  become  a  learner  on  a  subject  with  which  he 
had  supposed  himself  perfectly  conversant.  There  is  no  where 
visible  the  strong  arm  of  the  mother  country — the  signs  of  her 
patronage  are  wanting — the  people  alone,  in  their  weakness 
and  simplicity,  are  the  government.  This  is  what  the  European 
can  neither  understand  nor  tolerate;  but  it  is,  under  God,  the 
great  secret  of  our  success,  and  it  is  what  will  yet  raise  Liberia 
to  an  eminence  among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  and  make  her 
the  effective  agent  in  the  emancipation  of  Africa.  We  cannot, 
I  fear,  hope  for  any  co-operation  in  our  plans  of  action  from 
Englishmen,  until  they  improve  in  their  political  creed,  and 
learn  to  put  more  trust  in  men." 

Four  expeditions  were  sent  out  during  the  year  1841  to 
Liberia.  The  first  was  the  brig  R.  Groning,  which  sailed  from 
Norfolk  on  the  third  of  February.  It  carried  out  forty-one 
emigrants  of  the  most  promising  description.  In  this  ship  went 
out  the  Rev,  Orin  K.  Canfield  and  Jonathan  P.  Alward,  with 
their  wives,  as  missionaries  of  the  Presbyterian  Board  to  the 
Kroomen,  and  Cecilia  Vantine,  a  coloured  woman  as  teacher. 
After  a  tedious  voyage  of  forty-one  days,  the  vessel  arrived  at 
Monrovia.  The  next  expedition  of  the  year  was  the  bark 
Union,  a  fine  vessel  of  three  hundred  tons  burden.  This  ves- 
sel sailed  from  New  Orleans  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  May,  car- 
rying out  forty-three  emigrants,  all  of  them  well  supplied  with 
cooking  utensils,  household  furniture,  and  implements  of  hus- 
bandry. She  arrived  at  Monrovia  on  the  30th  of  June,  and  the 
emigrants  were  immediately  placed  in  houses,  hired  for  the 
purpose.  It  was  the  usual  custom  to  place  the  emigrants  in 
their  own  houses  as  soon  as  they  arrived;  but  this  was  render- 
ed inexpedient  on  account  of  the  iUness  of  Dr.  Day,  who  was 
unable  to  attend  to  any  number  of  sick  persons,  unless  under 
the  most  favourable  circumstances;  and  in  order  to  secure  his 
attendance  it  was  necessary  to  procure  quarters  for  them  in  the 
town. 

The  third  expedition  of  this  year  was  the  schooner  Regulus. 


HISTORY    OP    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  601 

She  sailed  from  Norfolk  on  the  18th  of  June.  Tliis  vessel  was 
purchased  by  the  society  for  the  use  of  the  colony,  and  was 
intended  to  run  between  the  different  settlements  of  the  colony. 
She  carried  out  but  one  emigrant,  but  a  large  amount  of  goods 
for  the  colony,  and  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  territory. 

The  last  expedition  of  the  year  was  an  unfortunate  one  to 
the  society.  They  had  engaged  a  merchantman,  the  Saluda,  at 
great  expense,  and  made  provisions  for  a  large  number  of  emi- 
grants; but  circumstances  occurred,  over  which  the  society  had 
no  control,  which  prevented  all  but  six  of  those  who  were  ex- 
pected from  going.  As  passengers  in  this  ship,  were  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Sawyer  and  lady,  missionaries  of  the  Assembly's  Board, 
destined  to  Settra  Kroo,  Dr.  Johnson,  Rev.  Mr.  Roberts,  Judge 
Benedict,  Mr,  Savage,  and  Mrs.  Oliver,  colonists,  and  Simon 
Peter,  a  native  African,  and  a  convert  to  Christianity,  all  of 
whom  had  been  on  a  visit  to  this  country. 

The  Regulus  arrived  at  the  colony  too  late  to  effect  the  object 
for  which  she  had  been  sent  out,  viz.  to  purchase  the  tracts  of 
land  in  which  Gallinas  and  New  Cesters  are  situated.  They 
found  that  the  slave  traders  and  others  interested,  had  excited 
the  natives  of  these  two  places  in  such  a  manner  that  no  treaty 
could  be  made  with  them.  Nevertheless,  Governor  Buchanan, 
through  the  agency  of  J.  Brown,  Esq.,  was  enabled  to  purchase 
the  tracts  on  the  coast,  known  as  the  Grand  Boutaw,  Little 
Boutaw,  and  Blue  Barre — a  distance  on  the  sea  of  fifty  miles, 
and  extending  indefinitely  inland.  This  transfer  made  for  a 
valuable  consideration,  subjected  the  native  inhabitants  to  the 
laws  of  the  colony,  and  annulled  all  their  laws  and  customs 
which  were  contrary  to  the  customs  of  the  colony. 

At  the  close  of  this  year  the  colony  were  called  upon  to 
mourn  the  loss  of  Thomas  Buchanan,  their  Governor.  His 
death  was  brought  about  by  exposure  in  attending  to  the  inte- 
rests of  the  colony.  J.  J.  Roberts,  the  Lieutenant-Governor,  in 
his  official  despatch  to  this  country,  gives  the  following  account 
of  his  death.  "No  sooner  had  the  Society's  vessel  arrived  (23d 
July)  than  Governor  Buchanan  determined  to  visit  the  leeward 
settlements,  and  on  the  afternoon  of  the  24th  he  departed,  in 
apparent  good  health,  on  board  the  schooner  Regulus,  for 
Marshall,  where  he  arrived  the  following  day.  Immediately 
after  his  arrival  at  that  place  he  was  attacked  with  fever,  which 
continued  at  intervals  for  several  days.  He  unfortunately  left 
51 


602  HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION. 

this  place  without  taking  with  him  any  quinine,  nor  could  any 
be  procured  at  Marshall.  He  determined,  nevertheless,  to  con- 
tinue his  voyage,  and  on  the  31st  in  attempting  to  reach  the 
schooner,  was  much  exposed  to  rain,  and  was  thoroughly  drench- 
ed in  the  surf,  which  brought  on  another  paroxysm  of  the  fever 
with  redoubled  violence.  During  the  passage  to  Bassa  Cove 
he  suffered  very  much  from  sea  sickness,  which,  added  to  the 
fever,  made  him  very  uncomfortable.  He  arrived  at  Bassa  on 
the  morning  of  the  1st  of  August,  and  was  confined  to  his  bed 
until  the  7th,  when  he  again  found  himself  convalescent.  He 
immediately  commenced  the  discharge  of  his  various  duties, 
which  he  found  exceedingly  arduous,  and,  notwithstanding  his 
late  iHness,  he  persisted  in  a  course  of  unwarrantable  zeal, 
which  soon  prostrated  him  again.  After  a  few  days'  relaxa- 
tion he  partially  recovered,  and  again  resumed  his  duties.  It 
was  too  much  for  his  shattered  constitution;  he  sunk  under  it, 
and,  alas !  he  is  gone. 

"The  death  of  Governor  Buchanan  has  cast  a  gloom  over 
Liberia.  The  commonwealth  deeply  mourns  his  loss.  He  was 
a  man  in  all  respects  calculated  to  take  care  of  the  interests  of 
this  infant  repubhc,  and  that  his  place  can  be  easily  supplied  is 
doubtful.  In  the  administration  of  his  government  he  was 
firm  and  decided,  dealing  justice  to  all  without  partiality  to 
any." 

He  died  on  the  3d  of  September,  at  the  government  house  at 
Bassa.  Dr.  Day,  in  a  letter  to  the  Hon.  S.  Wilkison,  in  speak- 
ing of  Governor  Buchanan's  death  says:  "All  that  remains  of 
him,  except  the  glory  of  his  benevolent  and  devoted  career,  lies 
entombed  in  the  government  groiuids  at  Bassa,  beneath  some 
stately  trees  shading  the  house  built  by  him  five  or  six  years 
ago.  While  the  green  turf  flourishes,  and  the  south  sea  breezes 
spread  the  perfumes  of  flowers  planted  on  the  spot  sacred  to 
his  ashes,  may  his  memory  abide  in  the  heart  of  every  Libe- 
rian,  and  his  praises  diffuse  a  sacred  love  for  his  name  in  the 
bosom  of  every  coloured  man,  to  whose  cause  he  was  so 
wholly  and  ardently  devoted.  Bound  as  he  was  to  his  mother- 
land by  ties  that  bind  a  son  to  a  much  loved  and  widowed 
mother  and  half  orphan  sisters  and  brother,  he  thought  not  the 
sacrifice  too  great  to  forsake  all  for  the  love  of  the  cause  in 
which  he  was  embarked.  What  was  his  self-dedication  to  the 
glorious  work  of  fostering  the  germ  of  Africa's  redemption,  we 


HISTORY    OF    AFRICAN    COLONIZATION.  603 

learn  from  a  scrap  of  his,  penned  on  his  first  voyage  to  this 
country  in  December,  1S35.  "The  God  who  tempers  the  wind 
to  the  shorn  lamb,  can  also  temper  the  rays  of  a  tropical  sun 
to  a  northern  constitution.  But  though  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I 
trust  in  him.  The  ivork  is  his  to  which  I  go,  and  is  worthy 
of  all  sacrificed 


THE  END. 


DATE  DUE 


jtf    ill 

JUJJ-^e- 

A<«M»M 

itt 

.\ 

CAVLORD 

miNTEO  IN  U.S.A. 

